How To Use CPT Code 25607

CPT 25607 refers to the open treatment of distal radial extra-articular fracture or epiphyseal separation with internal fixation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 25607 procedures.

1. What is CPT 25607?

CPT 25607 is a medical code used to describe the surgical procedure for treating a distal radial extra-articular fracture or epiphyseal separation with internal fixation. This code is used by medical professionals to accurately document and bill for this specific procedure.

2. 25607 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 25607 is: “Open treatment of distal radial extra-articular fracture or epiphyseal separation, with internal fixation.”

3. Procedure

The 25607 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The provider surgically opens the fracture site to expose the fracture or separation.
2. The bone is manipulated into the correct position.
3. Internal fixation devices, such as wires, screws, or pins, are used to stabilize the fracture.
4. If an intramedullary nail is used for fixation, the provider approaches the area proximal or distal to the fracture site and threads the nail down into the intramedullary canal, through the bone, and across the fracture site.
5. Interlocking screws or wires may be placed at angles to the nail or across the fracture site for additional stabilization.
6. Once the fracture is stabilized, the provider controls any bleeding and closes the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 25607 services are those with a distal radial extra-articular fracture or epiphyseal separation that requires open surgical treatment and internal fixation. This code is not applicable for percutaneous treatment of ulnar styloid fractures (use CPT 25651) or open treatment of ulnar styloid fractures (use CPT 25652).

5. When to use CPT code 25607

It is appropriate to bill the 25607 CPT code when a patient has a distal radial extra-articular fracture or epiphyseal separation that requires open surgical treatment with internal fixation. This code should not be used in conjunction with CPT 25650.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 25607, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and physical examination findings
• Diagnosis of distal radial extra-articular fracture or epiphyseal separation
• Indication for open surgical treatment with internal fixation
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the type of internal fixation used
• Postoperative care instructions and follow-up plan

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 25607, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that the procedure is medically necessary. Additionally, be aware of any specific payer requirements or policies related to the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 25607 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 25607

Five similar codes to CPT 25607 and how they differ are:

• CPT 25600: Closed treatment of distal radial fracture without manipulation
• CPT 25605: Closed treatment of distal radial fracture with manipulation
• CPT 25606: Percutaneous skeletal fixation of distal radial fracture
• CPT 25651: Percutaneous treatment of ulnar styloid fracture
• CPT 25652: Open treatment of ulnar styloid fracture

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 25607 procedures:

1. A patient with a distal radial extra-articular fracture resulting from a fall, requiring open treatment and internal fixation with screws.
2. A patient with an epiphyseal separation of the distal radius due to a sports injury, treated with open surgery and internal fixation using wires.
3. A patient with a distal radial fracture caused by a motor vehicle accident, requiring open treatment and stabilization with an intramedullary nail.
4. A patient with a distal radial extra-articular fracture from a workplace injury, treated with open surgery and internal fixation using a combination of screws and wires.
5. A patient with an epiphyseal separation of the distal radius due to a fall, requiring open treatment and internal fixation with an intramedullary nail and interlocking screws.
6. A patient with a distal radial fracture resulting from a skiing accident, treated with open surgery and internal fixation using pins.
7. A patient with a distal radial extra-articular fracture caused by a bicycle accident, requiring open treatment and stabilization with screws and wires.
8. A patient with an epiphyseal separation of the distal radius due to a sports injury, treated with open surgery and internal fixation using an intramedullary nail and interlocking screws.
9. A patient with a distal radial fracture resulting from a fall, requiring open treatment and internal fixation with a combination of pins and wires.
10. A patient with a distal radial extra-articular fracture caused by a motor vehicle accident, treated with open surgery and internal fixation using an intramedullary nail.