How To Use CPT Code 25105

CPT code 25105 describes the procedure of arthrotomy with synovectomy of the wrist joint. 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 25105?

CPT 25105 is a code used to describe the surgical procedure of arthrotomy with synovectomy of the wrist joint. This procedure involves making an incision to expose the wrist joint and removing the synovium tissue around the bones. It is typically performed in patients with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory disorders affecting the wrist joint.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25105 is: ‘Arthrotomy, wrist joint with synovectomy.’

3. Procedure

During the arthrotomy with synovectomy procedure, the healthcare provider begins by preparing the patient and administering anesthesia. Once the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider makes an incision over the wrist joint. The incision allows the provider to visualize the joint capsule. The joint capsule is then incised to expose the joint. Using forceps or a shaver, the provider carefully removes the synovial membrane around the joint. Finally, the surgical site is irrigated and closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may require arthrotomy with synovectomy of the wrist joint are those with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory disorders affecting the wrist joint. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is qualified and experienced in performing this specific surgical intervention.

5. When to use CPT code 25105

CPT code 25105 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an arthrotomy with synovectomy of the wrist joint. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed on the wrist joint specifically and not on any other joint. If the procedure is performed on a different joint, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 25105, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for arthrotomy with synovectomy
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific steps taken
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Post-procedure instructions or recommendations
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 25105, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. The healthcare provider should also follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or insurance company. It is important to note that CPT code 25105 should not be reported with other codes that describe different procedures or interventions on the wrist joint.

8. Historical information

CPT code 25105 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 25105

There are several similar codes to CPT code 25105 that describe procedures on the forearm and wrist. These include:

• CPT 25065: Arthrotomy, interphalangeal joint, finger
• CPT 25075: Arthrotomy, metacarpophalangeal joint, finger
• CPT 25100: Arthrotomy, radiocarpal or midcarpal joint
• CPT 25101: Arthrotomy, carpometacarpal joint
• CPT 25240: Arthrotomy, distal radioulnar joint

9. Examples

1. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis undergoes arthrotomy with synovectomy of the wrist joint to alleviate inflammation and improve joint function.
2. An individual with an inflammatory disorder affecting the wrist joint requires arthrotomy with synovectomy to remove the synovial tissue and reduce pain and swelling.
3. A healthcare provider performs arthrotomy with synovectomy of the wrist joint on a patient with chronic wrist pain and limited range of motion.
4. Arthrotomy with synovectomy is performed on a patient with a history of wrist joint inflammation and recurrent flare-ups.
5. A patient with a traumatic injury to the wrist joint undergoes arthrotomy with synovectomy to address joint damage and promote healing.
6. An individual with a degenerative joint disease affecting the wrist joint requires arthrotomy with synovectomy to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
7. A healthcare provider performs arthrotomy with synovectomy of the wrist joint on a patient with persistent swelling and stiffness in the joint.
8. An individual with a connective tissue disorder undergoes arthrotomy with synovectomy to manage joint inflammation and prevent further damage.
9. A patient with a history of wrist joint infections requires arthrotomy with synovectomy to remove infected synovial tissue and promote healing.
10. Arthrotomy with synovectomy is performed on a patient with a suspected tumor or abnormal growth in the wrist joint to obtain a tissue sample for further analysis.