How To Use CPT Code 21820

CPT 21820 describes the closed treatment of a sternum fracture. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 21820?

CPT 21820 is used to describe the closed treatment of a sternum fracture. This code is used when a healthcare provider manipulates the fractured sternum back into position and may apply tape to secure the reduced fracture in place.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 21820 is: ‘The provider uses manipulation to treat a fracture of the sternum, or breast bone, as a result of trauma to the area.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 21820 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The healthcare provider examines the patient and confirms the presence of a sternum fracture.
3. The provider manipulates the patient’s sternum back into position.
4. Tape may be applied to the patient’s torso to secure the reduced fracture in place.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 21820 is used for the closed treatment of a sternum fracture resulting from trauma to the area. It is important to confirm the presence of a sternum fracture before using this code. The procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare provider.

5. When to use CPT code 21820

CPT code 21820 should be used when a healthcare provider performs closed treatment for a sternum fracture. This code is appropriate when the provider manipulates the fractured sternum back into position and may apply tape to secure the reduced fracture.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 21820, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of the sternum fracture
• Details of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Use of any tape or other methods to secure the reduced fracture

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 21820, ensure that the procedure meets the requirements for closed treatment of a sternum fracture. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any additional methods used to secure the reduced fracture. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 21820 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

Here are some examples of cases where CPT code 21820 may be used:

1. A patient sustains a sternum fracture in a car accident and undergoes closed treatment by a healthcare provider.
2. A patient falls and fractures their sternum, requiring closed treatment to realign the fracture.
3. A patient is involved in a sports-related injury and fractures their sternum, necessitating closed treatment by a healthcare provider.
4. A patient is assaulted and sustains a sternum fracture, which is treated with closed manipulation by a healthcare provider.
5. A patient is injured in a workplace accident and fractures their sternum, requiring closed treatment to reposition the fracture.
6. A patient sustains a sternum fracture in a fall from a height and undergoes closed treatment by a healthcare provider.
7. A patient is involved in a motorcycle accident and fractures their sternum, necessitating closed manipulation by a healthcare provider.
8. A patient sustains a sternum fracture during a sporting event and undergoes closed treatment to realign the fracture.
9. A patient falls down the stairs and fractures their sternum, requiring closed treatment by a healthcare provider.
10. A patient is injured in a recreational activity and fractures their sternum, necessitating closed manipulation to reposition the fracture.