27520 Treat kneecap fracture
Also known as: closed reduction patella fracture, conservative treatment
Closed reduction and treatment of a patellar (kneecap) fracture without operative fixation, including immobilization or conservative management.
In Plain Language
treating a kneecap break without surgery
Clinical Context
Used for stable or minimally displaced patellar fractures treated conservatively with immobilization.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.96 |
| Total RVU | 2.96 |
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 2.96, this code ranks in the 21st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27520?
CPT 27520 (Treat kneecap fracture) is a Surgery code. Closed reduction and treatment of a patellar (kneecap) fracture without operative fixation, including immobilization or conservative management.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27520?
The work RVU for CPT 27520 is 2.96. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Knee Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27520 used?
Used for stable or minimally displaced patellar fractures treated conservatively with immobilization.
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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.