27238 Treat thigh fracture
Also known as: femur traction, skeletal traction femur
Closed treatment of femoral shaft fracture with skeletal traction applied percutaneously or via pre-existing fixation.
In Plain Language
Thighbone traction pulling; Traction system for thigh
Clinical Context
Applied to femoral shaft fractures managed through closed reduction and continuous traction, often used in pediatric or specific clinical scenarios.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.61 |
| Total RVU | 5.61 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.61, this code ranks in the 37th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27238?
CPT 27238 (Treat thigh fracture) is a Surgery code. Closed treatment of femoral shaft fracture with skeletal traction applied percutaneously or via pre-existing fixation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27238?
The work RVU for CPT 27238 is 5.61. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27238 used?
Applied to femoral shaft fractures managed through closed reduction and continuous traction, often used in pediatric or specific clinical scenarios.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.