How To Use CPT Code 25210

CPT code 25210 describes the excision of any one of the eight carpal bones in the wrist area. 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 25210?

CPT 25210 is used to describe the excision of any one of the eight carpal bones in the wrist area. This procedure involves the removal of a specific carpal bone to address various conditions or injuries affecting the wrist.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25210 is: ‘Carpectomy, one bone.’ This code is specifically used for the excision of a single carpal bone in the wrist.

3. Procedure

During the procedure, the provider begins by making an incision on the posterior side of the wrist joint. This incision allows access to the carpal bones. The provider carefully retracts blood vessels and nerves to prevent any damage. The joint capsule and carpal bones are then incised and opened.

Next, the provider detaches the specific carpal bone that needs to be excised from the surrounding structures, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The bone is then cut out, completely removing it from the wrist area. The provider may choose to attach the soft tissue of the excised carpal bone to nearby bones or use the tissue to fill the space left after the excision.

Finally, the provider irrigates the surgical site to ensure cleanliness and closes the wound in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 25210 is typically performed when there is a specific need to remove a carpal bone in the wrist due to conditions or injuries affecting the wrist joint. The decision to perform this procedure is based on the patient’s clinical presentation and diagnostic findings.

5. When to use CPT code 25210

CPT code 25210 should be used when a provider performs the excision of a single carpal bone in the wrist. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the need for this specific procedure and that it is the appropriate treatment option for the patient’s condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 25210, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for carpectomy
• Specific carpal bone excised
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Post-operative care instructions
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 25210, it is important to ensure that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure. The provider should also follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers, if applicable.

It is important to note that CPT code 25210 should not be reported with codes 25441-25445, which are used for carpectomy with implant procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT code 25210 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the description being updated to ‘Carpectomy, one bone.’

9. Similar codes to CPT 25210

There are several similar codes to CPT 25210 that describe different excision procedures on the forearm and wrist. Some of these codes include:

• CPT 25065: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of forearm and/or wrist area; subcutaneous
• CPT 25066: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of forearm and/or wrist area; subfascial (eg, intramuscular)
• CPT 25075: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of forearm and/or wrist area; deep
• CPT 25100: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of forearm and/or wrist area; subcutaneous
• CPT 25101: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of forearm and/or wrist area; subfascial (eg, intramuscular)

9. Examples

1. A patient with a ganglion cyst in the wrist undergoes carpectomy of the specific carpal bone affected.
2. A patient with a traumatic injury to the wrist requires the excision of a fractured carpal bone.
3. A patient with a tumor in the wrist area undergoes carpectomy to remove the affected bone.
4. A patient with severe arthritis in the wrist undergoes carpectomy of the affected carpal bone to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
5. A patient with a chronic wrist condition, such as Kienböck’s disease, requires carpectomy to address the underlying pathology.
6. A patient with a congenital anomaly in the wrist undergoes carpectomy of the affected carpal bone to improve hand function.
7. A patient with a wrist infection requires carpectomy to remove the infected bone and prevent further spread of the infection.
8. A patient with a wrist deformity, such as Madelung’s deformity, undergoes carpectomy to correct the abnormal alignment of the carpal bones.
9. A patient with a wrist tumor undergoes carpectomy to remove the tumor and prevent its spread to surrounding tissues.
10. A patient with a wrist injury, such as a dislocation or fracture, requires carpectomy of the affected carpal bone to restore normal wrist function.