Orthopedic Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

'Weber B' Describes Distal Fibula Fx

Question: Which CPT and ICD-9 codes should we report when the surgeon dictates a Weber B fracture repair?


Oklahoma Subscriber


Answer: Orthopedic surgeons often use terms in their dictation that don't appear in CPT, and -Weber B- is one of those. When a surgeon addresses a Weber B fracture, he is treating a fracture in the distal fibula, which is coded as a lateral malleolar fracture (824.2-824.3).

The Weber classification always refers to a distal fibular, or lateral malleolar, fracture. Type A describes the distal fibular fracture below the ankle syndesmosis. Type B has the distal fibular fracture intersecting the syndesmosis, and Type C involves the distal fibular fracture above the syndesmosis. Patients may have a concomitant medial malleolar fracture, which, if treated, would be coded as a bimalleolar ankle fracture.

Depending on whether the surgeon performed an open or closed repair, you should select a code from the following range for a Weber B fracture:

- 27786--Closed treatment of distal fibular fracture (lateral malleolus); without manipulation
- 27788--... with manipulation
- 27792--Open treatment of distal fibular fracture (lateral malleolus), with or without internal or external fixation.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All

Which Codify by AAPC tool is right for you?

Call 844-334-2816 to speak with a Codify by AAPC specialist now.