How To Use CPT Code 22310

CPT 22310 describes the closed treatment of vertebral body fracture(s) without manipulation, requiring and including casting or bracing. 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 22310?

CPT 22310 is used to describe the closed treatment of vertebral body fracture(s) without manipulation. This means that a healthcare provider applies a cast or brace to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. The procedure does not involve making a surgical incision or realigning the bones through manipulation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 22310 is: ‘Closed treatment of vertebral body fracture(s), without manipulation, requiring and including casting or bracing.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 22310 involves the following steps:

1. The healthcare provider examines the patient to assess the fracture and determine the appropriate treatment.
2. A cast, brace, cervical collar, or other immobilization device is applied to hold the fracture in a stable position.
3. The cast or brace helps prevent movement of the fracture, allowing it to heal properly.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 22310 is used for patients who have a vertebral body fracture that requires closed treatment without manipulation. This code should not be reported if other codes, such as 22510, 22511, 22512, 22513, 22514, or 22515, are used to describe treatment at the same level. The healthcare provider must determine the need for casting or bracing based on the specific fracture and patient’s condition.

5. When to use CPT code 22310

CPT code 22310 should be used when a healthcare provider performs closed treatment of vertebral body fracture(s) without manipulation and includes casting or bracing. This code is appropriate when the provider applies a cast or brace to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. It should not be used if surgical intervention or manipulation of the bones is performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 22310, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of vertebral body fracture(s)
• Details of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Type of cast or brace used
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the need for anesthesia or use of traction

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 22310, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria for closed treatment of vertebral body fracture(s) without manipulation and includes casting or bracing. It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. Do not report CPT 22310 if other codes for treatment at the same level have already been reported.

8. Historical information

CPT 22310 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 22310

There are several similar codes to CPT 22310 that describe different aspects of treatment for vertebral fractures. These include:

• CPT 22315: Closed treatment of vertebral fractures and/or dislocations requiring casting or bracing, with and including casting and/or bracing, with or without anesthesia, by manipulation or traction.
• CPT 22510: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (bone biopsy included when performed), 1 vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral injection, inclusive of all imaging guidance; cervicothoracic.
• CPT 22511: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (bone biopsy included when performed), 1 vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral injection, inclusive of all imaging guidance; lumbar.
• CPT 22512: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (bone biopsy included when performed), 1 vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral injection, inclusive of all imaging guidance; each additional cervicothoracic or lumbar vertebral body (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).
• CPT 22513: Percutaneous vertebral augmentation, including cavity creation (fracture reduction and bone biopsy included when performed) using mechanical device (e.g., kyphoplasty), 1 vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral cannulation, inclusive of all imaging guidance; cervicothoracic.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a fractured vertebral body receives closed treatment without manipulation. The healthcare provider applies a cast to stabilize the fracture.
2. Following a car accident, a patient is diagnosed with multiple vertebral body fractures. The healthcare provider applies braces to immobilize the fractures and promote healing.
3. An elderly patient with osteoporosis experiences a vertebral body fracture. The healthcare provider applies a cervical collar to provide support and prevent further damage.
4. A professional athlete sustains a vertebral body fracture during a game. The healthcare provider applies a custom-made brace to allow for proper healing and support during recovery.
5. A patient with a history of osteoporosis develops a vertebral body fracture. The healthcare provider applies a cast to stabilize the fracture and prevent movement.
6. Following a fall, a patient is diagnosed with a vertebral body fracture. The healthcare provider applies a brace to provide support and promote healing.
7. An elderly patient with a history of osteoporosis experiences a vertebral body fracture. The healthcare provider applies a cast to immobilize the fracture and prevent further damage.
8. A patient involved in a sports accident sustains a vertebral body fracture. The healthcare provider applies a brace to provide stability and support during the healing process.
9. A patient with a vertebral body fracture receives closed treatment without manipulation. The healthcare provider applies a cast to hold the fracture in place and promote healing.
10. Following a fall from a height, a patient is diagnosed with a vertebral body fracture. The healthcare provider applies a brace to stabilize the fracture and prevent further injury.