How To Use CPT Code 25073

CPT code 25073 describes the excision of a tumor or abnormal mass in the soft tissue of the forearm and/or wrist area, specifically in the subfascial (intramuscular) region, that is 3 cm or greater in size. 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 25073?

CPT 25073 is used to describe the excision of a tumor or abnormal mass in the soft tissue of the forearm and/or wrist area. This procedure specifically targets the subfascial (intramuscular) region and is performed when the tumor or mass is 3 cm or greater in size. The excised specimen is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine its nature.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25073 is: ‘Excision, tumor, soft tissue of forearm and/or wrist area, subfascial (eg, intramuscular) 3 cm or greater.’

3. Procedure

The excision procedure for CPT 25073 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision over the tumor in the forearm or wrist area.
3. Dissection is carried through the subcutaneous tissue and fascia down to the tumor, taking care to protect the nerves and veins.
4. The tumor is dissected away from adjacent tissues and removed, along with a small margin of healthy tissue around it.
5. The excised specimen is submitted to a laboratory for analysis.
6. The provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 25073 is performed on patients who have an abnormal mass or tumor in the soft tissue of the forearm and/or wrist area. The mass must be located in the subfascial (intramuscular) region and be 3 cm or greater in size. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional who has the necessary training and expertise in excising soft tissue tumors.

5. When to use CPT code 25073

CPT code 25073 should be used when a healthcare professional performs an excision procedure on a tumor or abnormal mass in the soft tissue of the forearm and/or wrist area. This code is specifically for tumors located in the subfascial (intramuscular) region that are 3 cm or greater in size. It is important to accurately document the size and location of the tumor to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 25073, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of a tumor or abnormal mass in the soft tissue of the forearm and/or wrist area
• Size of the tumor, confirming it is 3 cm or greater
• Location of the tumor, specifying that it is in the subfascial (intramuscular) region
• Description of the excision procedure, including the incision, dissection, removal of the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue, and closure of the incision
• Submission of the excised specimen to a laboratory for analysis
• Any additional relevant details or findings during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 25073, ensure that the excision procedure is performed on a tumor or abnormal mass in the soft tissue of the forearm and/or wrist area. The tumor must be located in the subfascial (intramuscular) region and be 3 cm or greater in size. It is important to accurately document the size and location of the tumor to support the use of this code. There are no specific billing guidelines or modifiers mentioned for CPT 25073.

8. Historical information

CPT 25073 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare professional performs an excision procedure on a 4 cm tumor in the subfascial region of a patient’s forearm.
2. A provider excises a 5 cm abnormal mass in the intramuscular region of a patient’s wrist.
3. A surgeon removes a 3.5 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s forearm, specifically in the subfascial area.
4. A healthcare professional performs an excision procedure on a 6 cm tumor in the intramuscular region of a patient’s wrist.
5. A provider excises a 3.2 cm abnormal mass from the soft tissue of a patient’s forearm, located in the subfascial area.
6. A surgeon removes a 4.5 cm tumor in the intramuscular region of a patient’s wrist.
7. A healthcare professional performs an excision procedure on a 3.8 cm tumor in the subfascial region of a patient’s forearm.
8. A provider excises a 7 cm abnormal mass in the intramuscular region of a patient’s wrist.
9. A surgeon removes a 3.3 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s forearm, specifically in the subfascial area.
10. A healthcare professional performs an excision procedure on a 5.5 cm tumor in the intramuscular region of a patient’s wrist.