How To Use CPT Code 25392

CPT 25392 describes a surgical procedure known as osteoplasty, specifically for the radius and ulna bones in the forearm. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 25392, 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 25392?

CPT 25392 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called osteoplasty, which involves the shortening of the radius and ulna bones in the forearm. This procedure is performed to reduce the length of the bone shaft and is typically done to address certain conditions or injuries.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25392 is: ‘Osteoplasty, radius AND ulna; shortening (excluding 64876).’ This code specifically refers to the surgical repair or alteration of the radius and ulna bones in the forearm, involving the shortening of the bones.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The provider makes an incision over the shaft of the radius and ulna, exposing the bones.
3. The nerves and blood vessels are carefully retracted to prevent any damage.
4. A section of the bone is cut through and removed to achieve the desired shortening.
5. The provider then fixes both ends of the bone together using plates and screws to maintain the shortened length.
6. The same procedure is performed on both the radius and ulna in the same session.
7. At the end of the surgery, the operative site is irrigated, sutured, and a drain may be placed if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 25392 is typically performed when there is a need to reduce the length of the radius and ulna bones in the forearm. This procedure may be necessary for various reasons, such as correcting deformities, addressing injuries, or treating certain conditions. It is important to note that CPT 25392 specifically excludes cases where the bone shortening is performed for a nerve shortening procedure, which would require a different code (such as 64876).

5. When to use CPT code 25392

CPT code 25392 should be used when a provider performs osteoplasty to shorten both the radius and ulna bones in the forearm. This code is appropriate when the procedure is performed to address specific conditions or injuries that require bone shortening. It is important to review the documentation and ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description of CPT 25392.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT code 25392, the following documentation should be included:

• Clear indication of the patient’s diagnosis or condition necessitating the osteoplasty procedure
• Details regarding the specific bones (radius and ulna) and the extent of shortening performed
• Date of the procedure and the duration of the surgery
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session
• Operative notes describing the steps taken during the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings encountered during the surgery
• Post-operative care instructions and any follow-up plans

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 25392, it is important to ensure that the documentation supports the performance of osteoplasty for the radius and ulna bones. The procedure should be accurately coded and reported, and any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session should be appropriately documented and coded as well. It is also important to review any specific billing guidelines or requirements from the payer to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 25392 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 25392

While there are no specific similar codes to CPT 25392, it is important to review other codes within the range of repair, revision, and/or reconstruction procedures on the forearm and wrist (25260-25492) to ensure accurate coding and billing for related procedures.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes osteoplasty of the radius and ulna bones in the forearm to correct a deformity caused by a previous injury.
2. A provider performs osteoplasty on the radius and ulna bones to address a congenital condition that has resulted in an abnormal bone length.
3. An individual with a history of trauma to the forearm undergoes osteoplasty to shorten the radius and ulna bones and improve functionality.
4. A patient with a chronic condition that has caused excessive bone growth in the forearm undergoes osteoplasty to reduce the length of the radius and ulna.
5. A provider performs osteoplasty on the radius and ulna bones to address complications from a previous surgical procedure.
6. An individual with a congenital condition undergoes osteoplasty to correct an abnormal bone length in the forearm.
7. A patient with a history of repetitive stress injuries undergoes osteoplasty to address bone overgrowth in the radius and ulna.
8. An individual with a traumatic injury to the forearm undergoes osteoplasty to correct bone deformities and restore functionality.
9. A provider performs osteoplasty on the radius and ulna bones to address complications from a previous fracture.
10. A patient with a chronic condition that has caused abnormal bone growth in the forearm undergoes osteoplasty to reduce the length of the radius and ulna.