How To Use CPT Code 23545

CPT code 23545 describes the closed treatment of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation with manipulation. 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 23545?

CPT code 23545 is used to describe the closed treatment of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation with manipulation. This procedure involves the provider manually adjusting the separated bones of the joint to bring them back into their normal alignment. Surgery is not required for this treatment.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 23545 is: ‘Closed treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation with manipulation.’

3. Procedure

In this procedure, the provider performs a closed treatment of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation with manipulation. The patient is appropriately prepped, and an X-ray is performed to examine the dislocated joint. The provider then manually adjusts the bones by pushing or pulling on the arm and shoulder to bring the shoulder blade and collar bone back into their normal alignment. After the manipulation, the joint is placed in a sling or brace for four weeks to stabilize the bones and aid in healing. Another X-ray may be performed to confirm the reduction of the dislocation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

This procedure is performed on patients with an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, which is an abnormal separation of the joint between the shoulder blade and the collar bone. The closed treatment with manipulation is appropriate when surgery is not required to realign the bones. The provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine that closed treatment with manipulation is the appropriate course of action.

5. When to use CPT code 23545

CPT code 23545 should be used when the provider performs a closed treatment of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation with manipulation. This code should not be used if the treatment does not involve manipulation or if surgery is required to realign the bones.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 23545, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of acromioclavicular joint dislocation
• Performance of an X-ray to examine the dislocated joint
• Details of the manipulation procedure, including the techniques used
• Placement of the joint in a sling or brace for four weeks
• Confirmation of reduction of the dislocation through a follow-up X-ray, if performed

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 23545, ensure that the procedure performed is a closed treatment of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation with manipulation. This code should not be reported if the treatment does not involve manipulation or if surgery is required. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 23545 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 23545

There are several similar codes to CPT code 23545 that describe different procedures for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation. These codes include:

• CPT 23540: Closed treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation without manipulation
• CPT 23550: Closed treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation with fixation
• CPT 23570: Closed treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation with coracoclavicular ligament repair
• CPT 23585: Closed treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation with distal clavicle resection
• CPT 23600: Closed treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation with deltoid or trapezius transfer

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, and the provider performs a closed treatment with manipulation to realign the bones.
2. After an X-ray confirms an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, the provider manually adjusts the bones to reduce the dislocation and places the joint in a sling for four weeks.
3. A patient with an acromioclavicular joint dislocation undergoes closed treatment with manipulation, followed by a follow-up X-ray to confirm the reduction of the dislocation.
4. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation on a patient with an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, using specific techniques to realign the bones.
5. After an X-ray reveals an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, the provider performs closed treatment with manipulation and instructs the patient to wear a brace for four weeks.
6. A patient with an acromioclavicular joint dislocation undergoes closed treatment with manipulation, resulting in successful reduction of the dislocation.
7. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation on a patient with an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, documenting the details of the procedure and the subsequent placement of the joint in a sling.
8. After an X-ray confirms an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, the provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, followed by a follow-up X-ray to ensure the successful reduction of the dislocation.
9. A patient presents with an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, and the provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, using specific techniques to realign the bones.
10. After an X-ray reveals an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, the provider performs closed treatment with manipulation and advises the patient to wear a brace for four weeks to aid in the healing process.