How To Use CPT Code 25900

CPT 25900 describes the surgical procedure for amputation of the forearm through the radius and ulna. 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 25900?

CPT 25900 is used to describe the surgical removal of the forearm at any point on the radius and ulna. The procedure involves completely removing the forearm and closing the wound with the remaining muscular and skin layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25900 is: ‘Amputation, forearm, through radius and ulna.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The provider makes an incision just below the area of the resection.
3. The incision is brought down to the bone level, and any blood vessels are ligated.
4. The nerves are retracted, and the radius and ulna bones are cut.
5. The edges of the bones are rasped with an electric burr.
6. The muscles and skin are cut, leaving enough margin to cover the wound.
7. The provider covers the wound with muscle, sutures it and the fascia, and then closes the skin with sutures after placing a drain.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 25900 is performed on patients who require a complete or partial amputation of the forearm. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 25900

CPT code 25900 should be used when a complete amputation of the forearm through the radius and ulna is performed. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that the appropriate documentation requirements are met.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 25900, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for amputation
• Specific details of the procedure, including the incision, bone cutting, and closure techniques
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or services performed during the same session
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 25900, ensure that the procedure is accurately documented and meets the necessary criteria for reimbursement. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 25900 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been several updates and changes to the code over the years, including its inclusion and removal from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a complete amputation of the forearm through the radius and ulna due to severe trauma.
2. A healthcare professional performs a forearm amputation on a patient with a malignant tumor.
3. An individual with a severe infection in the forearm requires a complete amputation through the radius and ulna.
4. A patient with a congenital limb deformity undergoes a forearm amputation to improve their quality of life.
5. A healthcare professional performs a forearm amputation on a patient with a non-healing wound that has become necrotic.
6. An individual with a severe vascular disease undergoes a complete amputation of the forearm through the radius and ulna.
7. A patient with a chronic pain condition undergoes a forearm amputation to alleviate their symptoms.
8. A healthcare professional performs a forearm amputation on a patient with a severe bone infection.
9. An individual with a traumatic injury to the forearm requires a complete amputation through the radius and ulna.
10. A patient with a non-functional forearm due to a congenital anomaly undergoes a forearm amputation for functional improvement.