How To Use CPT Code 25624

CPT 25624 describes the closed treatment of a carpal scaphoid (navicular) fracture using 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 25624?

CPT 25624 can be used to describe the closed treatment of a carpal scaphoid (navicular) fracture using manipulation. This code is used when a healthcare provider treats a fracture of the scaphoid bone in the wrist without making an incision, using only manipulation to realign the bones.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25624 is: ‘Closed treatment of carpal scaphoid (navicular) fracture; with manipulation.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider uses radiographic imaging to determine the presence of a scaphoid bone fracture in the wrist.
2. Using their hands, the provider manipulates the bones in the wrist to reduce, or realign, the fractured bones into their correct positions.
3. Another radiographic image is obtained to confirm that the fracture has been adequately reduced.
4. A splint or cast material is applied to immobilize the fracture and prevent movement during the healing process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 25624 is used for the closed treatment of a carpal scaphoid (navicular) fracture using manipulation. This procedure is performed when a patient has a fracture of the scaphoid bone in the wrist and the healthcare provider can manipulate the bones to realign them without making an incision.

5. When to use CPT code 25624

CPT code 25624 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a closed treatment of a carpal scaphoid (navicular) fracture using manipulation. This code is appropriate when the provider does not make an incision and only uses manipulation to realign the fractured bones.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 25624, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Radiographic evidence of the scaphoid bone fracture
• Description of the manipulation technique used
• Radiographic confirmation of adequate reduction of the fracture
• Type of splint or cast material applied

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 25624, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for closed treatment of a carpal scaphoid (navicular) fracture using manipulation. This code should not be reported if an incision is made or if other procedures are performed in addition to the manipulation. Additional supplies, such as casting materials, may be reported separately using the appropriate codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 25624 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 healthcare provider performs closed treatment of a carpal scaphoid fracture using manipulation to realign the bones in the wrist.
2. A patient presents with a scaphoid bone fracture, and the provider successfully reduces the fracture using manipulation without making an incision.
3. A healthcare provider applies a splint to immobilize a carpal scaphoid fracture after performing closed treatment using manipulation.
4. A patient undergoes closed treatment of a carpal scaphoid fracture with manipulation, and a follow-up radiographic image confirms adequate reduction of the fracture.
5. A healthcare provider uses manipulation to realign the fractured bones in a carpal scaphoid fracture, and a cast is applied to immobilize the wrist.
6. A patient with a scaphoid bone fracture undergoes closed treatment using manipulation, and the provider documents the procedure and the type of splint applied.
7. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment of a carpal scaphoid fracture using manipulation, and the patient’s radiographic image shows adequate reduction of the fracture.
8. A patient’s carpal scaphoid fracture is treated with closed manipulation by a healthcare provider, and a splint is applied to immobilize the wrist.
9. A healthcare provider successfully reduces a carpal scaphoid fracture using manipulation, and the patient’s follow-up radiographic image confirms the proper alignment of the bones.
10. A patient undergoes closed treatment of a carpal scaphoid fracture using manipulation, and the provider documents the procedure and the type of cast material used.