How To Use CPT Code 25530

CPT 25530 describes the closed treatment of an ulnar shaft fracture without manipulation. 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 25530?

CPT 25530 is used to describe the closed treatment of an ulnar shaft fracture without manipulation. This means that the provider treats the fracture without making an incision or manipulating the fracture. Instead, they apply a splint to prevent movement of the fracture until it heals.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25530 is: ‘Closed treatment of ulnar shaft fracture; without manipulation.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider uses radiographic imaging to determine the presence of an ulnar shaft fracture and assesses the alignment.
3. If the fracture is present and alignment is satisfactory, the provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture.
4. The splint is used to prevent movement of the fracture until it heals.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 25530 is used for patients with an ulnar shaft fracture that does not require surgical intervention. The provider does not make an incision or manipulate the fracture. Instead, they apply a splint to immobilize the fracture and promote healing.

5. When to use CPT code 25530

CPT code 25530 should be used when the provider performs a closed treatment of an ulnar shaft fracture without manipulation. This code is appropriate when the fracture does not require surgical intervention and the provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 25530, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of an ulnar shaft fracture
• Confirmation of satisfactory alignment
• Use of a splint to immobilize the fracture

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 25530, ensure that the treatment is performed without manipulation and that a splint is applied to immobilize the fracture. This code should not be reported if surgical intervention or manipulation is performed. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation.

8. Historical information

CPT 25530 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 an ulnar shaft fracture. The provider assesses the fracture using radiographic imaging and determines that the alignment is satisfactory. They apply a splint to immobilize the fracture.
2. A patient sustains an ulnar shaft fracture and seeks medical attention. The provider confirms the fracture and applies a splint to prevent movement of the fracture during the healing process.
3. A patient is involved in a car accident and fractures their ulnar shaft. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation and applies a splint to promote healing.
4. A patient falls and fractures their ulnar shaft. The provider determines that the fracture does not require surgical intervention and applies a splint to immobilize the fracture.
5. A patient presents with an ulnar shaft fracture. The provider uses radiographic imaging to assess the alignment and applies a splint to prevent movement of the fracture.
6. A patient sustains an ulnar shaft fracture while playing sports. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation and applies a splint to immobilize the fracture.
7. A patient fractures their ulnar shaft in a workplace accident. The provider confirms the fracture and applies a splint to promote healing.
8. A patient falls from a bike and fractures their ulnar shaft. The provider determines that the fracture does not require surgical intervention and applies a splint to immobilize the fracture.
9. A patient presents with an ulnar shaft fracture. The provider uses radiographic imaging to assess the alignment and applies a splint to prevent movement of the fracture.
10. A patient sustains an ulnar shaft fracture while participating in a recreational activity. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation and applies a splint to immobilize the fracture.