How To Use CPT Code 25248

CPT code 25248 describes the exploration with removal of a deep foreign body in the forearm or wrist. 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 25248?

CPT 25248 is used to describe the procedure of removing a foreign body that is deeply embedded in the forearm or wrist. This typically occurs as a result of a traumatic injury. The provider will make an incision over the foreign body, retract the skin and subcutaneous tissues, and use forceps to grasp and remove the foreign body. The area is then irrigated with an antibiotic solution, checked for bleeding, and the incision is closed.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25248 is: ‘Exploration with removal of deep foreign body, forearm or wrist.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure for CPT 25248, the provider will follow these steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision over the foreign body, as identified on imaging.
3. The skin and subcutaneous tissues are retracted to expose the foreign body.
4. The provider uses forceps to grasp and remove the foreign body.
5. The area is irrigated with an antibiotic solution to prevent infection.
6. Bleeding is checked and any instruments are removed from the area.
7. The incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 25248 is performed when a patient has a deep foreign body embedded in their forearm or wrist. This typically occurs as a result of a traumatic injury. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider who is trained in the removal of foreign bodies. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 25248

CPT code 25248 should be used when a provider is performing an exploration with removal of a deep foreign body in the forearm or wrist. It is important to ensure that the foreign body is deeply embedded and requires exploration for removal. If the foreign body is superficial and can be easily removed without exploration, a different CPT code may be more appropriate.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 25248, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the location and depth of the foreign body
• Incision size and closure method
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 25248, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for exploration with removal of a deep foreign body in the forearm or wrist. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 25248 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 25248 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a deep shard of glass embedded in their forearm. The provider performs an exploration with removal of the foreign body using CPT code 25248.
2. A patient sustains a deep splinter in their wrist. The provider uses CPT code 25248 to perform an exploration with removal of the foreign body.
3. A patient is involved in a car accident and has a small metal fragment deeply embedded in their forearm. The provider utilizes CPT code 25248 to perform an exploration with removal of the foreign body.
4. A patient falls and has a bone fragment lodged in their wrist. The provider performs an exploration with removal of the foreign body using CPT code 25248.
5. A patient is injured while working with machinery and has a metal shard deeply embedded in their forearm. The provider uses CPT code 25248 to perform an exploration with removal of the foreign body.
6. A patient sustains a deep puncture wound in their wrist and has a foreign object lodged in the tissue. The provider performs an exploration with removal of the foreign body using CPT code 25248.
7. A patient is involved in a sports-related injury and has a small piece of wood deeply embedded in their forearm. The provider utilizes CPT code 25248 to perform an exploration with removal of the foreign body.
8. A patient is bitten by an animal and has a tooth fragment deeply embedded in their wrist. The provider performs an exploration with removal of the foreign body using CPT code 25248.
9. A patient sustains a deep laceration in their forearm and has a metal fragment embedded in the tissue. The provider uses CPT code 25248 to perform an exploration with removal of the foreign body.
10. A patient is involved in a workplace accident and has a small piece of machinery deeply embedded in their wrist. The provider performs an exploration with removal of the foreign body using CPT code 25248.