How To Use CPT Code 25360

CPT 25360 describes a surgical procedure called ulna osteotomy, which involves the excision of a portion of the ulna bone to correct conditions such as angular deformities of the forearm. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of CPT code 25360, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 25360?

CPT 25360 is a code used to describe the surgical procedure known as ulna osteotomy. This procedure involves the removal of a specific portion of the ulna bone to correct angular deformities of the forearm. It is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional in an operating room setting.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25360 is: ‘Osteotomy; ulna.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The healthcare professional makes an incision over the affected area of the ulna.
3. The incision is extended through the muscles to expose the bone.
4. The periosteum, a dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones, is retracted to access the required area of the ulna.
5. A portion of the ulna bone is excised to correct the angular deformity.
6. The bone is adjusted to the appropriate angle and fixed in place using screws and plates for stability.
7. The periosteum is placed back on the bone.
8. The surgical site is irrigated and repaired in layers using sutures, with the possibility of placing a drain if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 25360 is typically performed on patients with angular deformities of the forearm that require correction through ulna osteotomy. These deformities may be caused by various factors, such as trauma, congenital abnormalities, or previous surgeries. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional in an operating room setting.

5. When to use CPT code 25360

CPT code 25360 should be used when a healthcare professional performs an ulna osteotomy to correct angular deformities of the forearm. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the procedure involves additional or different components, a different CPT code may be more appropriate.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 25360, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for ulna osteotomy
• Details of the procedure, including the specific portion of the ulna bone excised and any adjustments made
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or repairs performed during the same session
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 25360, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The healthcare professional performing the procedure should be qualified and the procedure should be performed in an appropriate setting, such as an operating room. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set forth by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT 25360 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. Examples

1. A patient with an angular deformity of the forearm undergoes ulna osteotomy to correct the alignment.
2. A healthcare professional performs ulna osteotomy on a patient who experienced a traumatic injury resulting in an angular deformity of the forearm.
3. An individual with a congenital abnormality of the ulna bone undergoes ulna osteotomy to improve forearm alignment.
4. A patient who previously underwent a failed ulna osteotomy undergoes a revision procedure to correct the deformity.
5. A healthcare professional performs ulna osteotomy on a patient with a history of multiple fractures in the forearm, resulting in an angular deformity.
6. An individual with a previous ulna osteotomy that did not fully correct the deformity undergoes a second procedure to achieve the desired alignment.
7. A patient with a nonunion of the ulna bone undergoes ulna osteotomy with bone grafting to promote healing and correct the deformity.
8. A healthcare professional performs ulna osteotomy on a patient with a malunion of the ulna bone following a previous fracture.
9. An individual with a congenital abnormality of both the radius and ulna bones undergoes ulna osteotomy in conjunction with radius osteotomy to correct the forearm alignment.
10. A patient with an angular deformity of the forearm resulting from a previous surgery undergoes ulna osteotomy to improve alignment and function.