How To Use CPT Code 25520

CPT 25520 describes the closed treatment of a radial shaft fracture and the closed treatment of a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint, also known as a Galeazzi fracture/dislocation. 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 25520?

CPT 25520 is used to describe the closed treatment of a radial shaft fracture and the closed treatment of a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint, specifically a Galeazzi fracture/dislocation. This code is used when the provider repairs the fracture of the radius shaft and realigns the bones at the radioulnar joint without making an incision.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25520 is: ‘Closed treatment of radial shaft fracture and closed treatment of dislocation of distal radioulnar joint (Galeazzi fracture/dislocation).’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider applies force to the radial shaft fracture to bring it into alignment.
3. The provider realigns the bones at the radioulnar joint.
4. The provider confirms adequate reduction of both structures with imaging.
5. The provider applies a long arm cast for stabilization.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 25520 is used for patients who have a fracture of the shaft of the radius in combination with a dislocation of the radioulnar joint, known as a Galeazzi fracture/dislocation. The procedure must be performed in a closed manner, without making an incision.

5. When to use CPT code 25520

CPT code 25520 should be used when the provider performs a closed treatment of a radial shaft fracture and a closed treatment of a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint, specifically a Galeazzi fracture/dislocation. This code should not be used for open treatments or procedures that involve making an incision.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 25520, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a radial shaft fracture and a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint
• Details of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Confirmation of adequate reduction with imaging
• Type of cast applied for stabilization

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 25520, ensure that the procedure was performed in a closed manner without making an incision. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 25520 with other codes. However, it is important to accurately document and code any additional procedures or services performed during the same encounter.

8. Historical information

CPT 25520 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. The code was later revised on January 1, 2002 to its current description.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a radial shaft fracture and a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. The provider performs a closed treatment of the fracture and realigns the bones at the joint without making an incision.
2. During a fall, a patient sustains a Galeazzi fracture/dislocation. The provider applies force to the fracture to bring it into alignment and then stabilizes the joint with a long arm cast.
3. A patient is involved in a car accident and fractures their radius shaft while also dislocating the distal radioulnar joint. The provider performs a closed treatment of the fracture and realigns the joint, confirming adequate reduction with imaging.
4. After a sports injury, a patient presents with a Galeazzi fracture/dislocation. The provider applies force to the fracture to bring it into alignment and then applies a long arm cast for stabilization.
5. A patient falls from a ladder and sustains a radial shaft fracture with a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. The provider performs a closed treatment of the fracture and realigns the joint, ensuring proper reduction with imaging.
6. During a physical altercation, a patient fractures their radius shaft and dislocates the distal radioulnar joint. The provider performs a closed treatment of the fracture and realigns the joint, applying a long arm cast for stabilization.
7. A patient presents with a Galeazzi fracture/dislocation after a motorcycle accident. The provider applies force to the fracture to bring it into alignment and then confirms adequate reduction with imaging before applying a long arm cast.
8. Following a fall, a patient sustains a radial shaft fracture and a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. The provider performs a closed treatment of the fracture and realigns the joint, ensuring proper reduction with imaging.
9. A patient fractures their radius shaft and dislocates the distal radioulnar joint while playing sports. The provider performs a closed treatment of the fracture and realigns the joint, applying a long arm cast for stabilization.
10. After a workplace accident, a patient presents with a Galeazzi fracture/dislocation. The provider applies force to the fracture to bring it into alignment and then confirms adequate reduction with imaging before applying a long arm cast.