How To Use CPT Code 29125

CPT 29125 refers to the application of a short arm splint (forearm to hand); static. 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 29125 procedures.

1. What is CPT 29125?

CPT 29125 is a medical billing code used to describe the application of a short arm splint, which is a static or rigid splint applied to the lower arm extending from the elbow to the palm. This splint is used to immobilize an injury to the forearm or wrist during healing or for stabilization of a fracture prior to surgical repair.

2. 29125 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 29125 is: “Application of short arm splint (forearm to hand); static.”

3. Procedure

The procedure for applying a CPT 29125 splint involves the following steps:

1. The provider positions the patient’s arm with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees and the wrist extended slightly, which is considered a neutral position for the arm and wrist.
2. The static splint is applied to the lower arm, extending from the elbow to the palm.
3. The provider adjusts the straps of the splint to ensure a proper fit and immobilization of the injured area.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who have sustained an injury to the forearm or wrist, such as a fracture or dislocation, are eligible to receive CPT 29125 services. Additionally, patients requiring stabilization of a fracture prior to surgical repair may also qualify for this procedure. It is important to note that the application of a splint may be included in the primary code for an associated surgical procedure, and replacement of the splint at a later date may be included in the global period of the surgical procedure or may be separately reportable, depending on the payer’s guidelines.

5. When to use CPT code 29125

CPT code 29125 should be used when a provider applies a static short arm splint to a patient’s lower arm for immobilization of an injury or stabilization of a fracture prior to surgical repair. This code may be used as an initial service when no other procedure or treatment is performed or expected to be performed by the provider rendering the initial care, or when permitted by the payer as a billable replacement service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29125, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history, including the nature and extent of the injury or fracture.
• Physical examination findings, such as swelling, deformity, or tenderness in the affected area.
• Medical decision-making process, including the rationale for applying the short arm splint and any alternative treatments considered.
• Details of the splint application procedure, including the type of splint used, the positioning of the arm and wrist, and any adjustments made to ensure a proper fit.
• Instructions provided to the patient for care and follow-up, such as when to return for a splint check or removal, and any activity restrictions.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29125, it is important to follow payer-specific guidelines and rules. If the code is reported as an initial service with no other procedure or treatment performed or expected to be performed, the applicable evaluation and management (E/M) code should be reported along with 99070 for supplies and materials provided by the provider over and above those usually included with the office visit or other services rendered. If the key components of an E/M service are met (patient history, physical examination, and medical decision making), the appropriate E/M code should be used with modifier 25 to indicate a significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same provider on the same day of the procedure or other service.

8. Historical information

CPT 29125 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 29125

There are several codes similar to CPT 29125, which differ based on the type of splint applied and the area of the body it is applied to. These include:

• CPT 29105: Application of a long arm splint, which extends from the shoulder to the hand.
• CPT 29126: Application of a short arm splint with dynamic components, allowing for some movement of the wrist or fingers.
• CPT 29130: Application of a finger splint, which is used to immobilize an injured finger.
• CPT 29131: Application of a dynamic finger splint, allowing for some movement of the injured finger.
• CPT 29505: Application of a long leg splint, which extends from the thigh to the foot.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 29125 procedures:

1. A patient presents with a distal radius fracture and requires a short arm splint for immobilization prior to surgical repair.
2. A patient with a wrist sprain is treated with a short arm splint to provide support and limit movement during the healing process.
3. A patient with a forearm fracture has a short arm splint applied after closed reduction to maintain proper alignment during healing.
4. A patient with a stable wrist fracture is treated conservatively with a short arm splint instead of surgery.
5. A patient with a dislocated wrist has a short arm splint applied after the wrist is reduced to maintain proper alignment.
6. A patient with a forearm fracture returns for a splint check and requires a new short arm splint due to swelling reduction.
7. A patient with a wrist fracture has a short arm splint applied after surgical fixation to provide support during the postoperative period.
8. A patient with a forearm fracture has a short arm splint applied as a temporary measure before being referred to an orthopedic specialist for further management.
9. A patient with a wrist dislocation has a short arm splint applied after closed reduction and is scheduled for follow-up to monitor healing progress.
10. A patient with a forearm fracture has a short arm splint applied after closed reduction and is scheduled for follow-up to monitor healing progress and determine if further intervention is needed.