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Billing code

F046A — Distal radius fracture – closed reduction under general anaesthetic

Wrist fracture, general anaesthetic

Bill F046 for closed reduction of a distal radius fracture under general anaesthetic; under local anaesthetic it is F028, open reduction F030.

Watch for: Use F028, not F046, when the reduction is done under local anaesthetic; casts in the first 2 weeks are included.

Code

F046A

Description

Distal radius fracture – closed reduction under general anaesthetic

FHO+ basket

Not in the FHO+ base rate basket (Schedule 2 or 2B).

Effective date

Apr 1, 2026

Termination date

No end date

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

Closed reduction of a distal radius fracture done under general anaesthetic. Under local anaesthetic it is F028.

What it covers

F046 is closed reduction of a distal radius fracture under general anaesthetic (N21). The same reduction under local anaesthetic is F028; open reduction is F030 (N21).

A closed reduction is reduction by non-operative methods, including traction (N1).

Billing rules

• Add-ons to a closed reduction fee: E569 percutaneous pinning (+50%), E555 rigid external fixation (+50%), E544 cast bracing (+40%, not with a prefabricated cast, brace or splint) (N3).
• The major pre-operative visit (the consultation or assessment) can be billed in addition (N1).
• A cast or corrective splint applied during the first 2 weeks is included in the fracture or dislocation fee; later casts are billed from the cast listings (N7).
• Repeat reductions of the same fracture or dislocation: claim the full fee for the final reduction and after-care; earlier reductions by the same surgeon are claimed at 85% (N2).
• If you transfer the patient to another physician for after-care, bill 75% of the listed fee; the physician giving after-care bills visit fees (N2).
• Non-elective fracture or dislocation care started in the evening, on a weekend or holiday, or at night takes an after-hours premium: E412 (+20%) or E413 (+40%) for an Emergency Department Physician billing H codes, or E409 (+50%) or E410 (+75%) for other physicians (GP103, GP104).
• If your reduction under general anaesthesia fails and you refer the patient for definitive care, claim 75% of the listed fee (N2).
• Patients under 16: payment is increased by 10% to 30% depending on age (GP64).

Often billed with

• E569 percutaneous pinning, +50% (N3).
• E412/E413 or E409/E410 when non-elective and done after hours (GP104).

Related codes: F028, F027, F030, E569, E555, E544

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures, Elbow and Forearm, page N21.

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