27818 Treatment of ankle fracture
Also known as: percutaneous fixation trimalleolar, trimalleolar fracture fixation
Initial closed treatment of ankle fracture (trimalleolar) with manipulation and internal fixation.
In Plain Language
setting broken ankle (3 sides) with pins
Clinical Context
Performed for trimalleolar fractures amenable to closed reduction and percutaneous or limited fixation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.55 |
| Total RVU | 5.55 |
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 5.55, 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 27818?
CPT 27818 (Treatment of ankle fracture) is a Surgery code. Initial closed treatment of ankle fracture (trimalleolar) with manipulation and internal fixation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27818?
The work RVU for CPT 27818 is 5.55. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Podiatric Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27818 used?
Performed for trimalleolar fractures amenable to closed reduction and percutaneous or limited fixation.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA 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.