27788 Treatment of ankle fracture
Also known as: percutaneous fixation lateral ankle, ankle fracture fixation
Initial closed treatment of ankle fracture (lateral malleolus) with manipulation and internal fixation.
In Plain Language
setting broken outer ankle with pins
Clinical Context
Performed for displaced lateral malleolar fractures requiring fixation through minimal approach or closed technique.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.52 |
| Total RVU | 4.52 |
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 4.52, this code ranks in the 31st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27788?
CPT 27788 (Treatment of ankle fracture) is a Surgery code. Initial closed treatment of ankle fracture (lateral malleolus) with manipulation and internal fixation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27788?
The work RVU for CPT 27788 is 4.52. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Podiatric Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27788 used?
Performed for displaced lateral malleolar fractures requiring fixation through minimal approach or closed technique.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.
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.