How To Use CPT Code 29075

CPT 29075 describes the application of a cast from the elbow to the finger for the treatment of fractures in the lower arm and correction of hand and wrist deformities. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 29075?

CPT 29075 can be used to describe the application of a cast from the elbow to the finger for the treatment of fractures in the lower arm and correction of hand and wrist deformities. This code is used when a healthcare provider applies a cast encasing the lower arm to immobilize and support the affected area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29075 is: ‘Application, cast; elbow to finger (short arm)’. This code specifically refers to the application of a cast that extends from the elbow to the fingers, treating fractures in the lower arm and correcting hand and wrist deformities.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs a complete neurovascular exam of the affected region before applying the cast.
2. They cover the arm with stockinette, a loose knit fabric, to protect the skin.
3. Cotton or synthetic padding is applied over the arm to prevent irritation.
4. Wet casting material, such as plaster of Paris or fiberglass, is applied in strips over the padding.
5. The provider rolls the underlying stockinette over the openings in the cast to smooth out the edges.
6. The cast is allowed to dry, and the provider reassesses its fit, trimming it if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29075 is used for patients who require the application of a cast from the elbow to the finger to treat fractures in the lower arm or correct hand and wrist deformities. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider and may be accompanied by a complete neurovascular exam of the affected region.

5. When to use CPT code 29075

CPT code 29075 should be used when a healthcare provider applies a cast from the elbow to the finger for the treatment of fractures in the lower arm or correction of hand and wrist deformities. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29075, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis necessitating the application of the cast
• Performance of a complete neurovascular exam, if applicable
• Use of stockinette and padding to protect the skin
• Type of casting material used (plaster of Paris or fiberglass)
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Assessment of the cast’s fit and any necessary trimming
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29075, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the payer regarding the inclusion of the cast application in the primary code for an associated surgical procedure or its separate reportability. Modifier 25 may be applied if a significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service is provided on the same day as the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 29075 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990, with a code change on January 1, 2002. There have been no further updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider applies a cast from the elbow to the finger for a patient with a fractured ulna.
2. A cast is applied from the elbow to the finger to correct a deformity in the hand and wrist of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
3. A healthcare provider immobilizes a fractured radius by applying a cast from the elbow to the finger.
4. A cast is applied from the elbow to the finger to treat a patient with a metacarpal fracture.
5. A healthcare provider applies a cast from the elbow to the finger to correct a malunion of the ulna.
6. A cast is applied from the elbow to the finger to immobilize a patient’s hand and wrist after surgical repair of a distal radius fracture.
7. A healthcare provider applies a cast from the elbow to the finger to treat a patient with a scaphoid fracture.
8. A cast is applied from the elbow to the finger to correct a deformity in the hand and wrist of a patient with cerebral palsy.
9. A healthcare provider immobilizes a fractured ulna and radius by applying a cast from the elbow to the finger.
10. A cast is applied from the elbow to the finger to treat a patient with a lunate dislocation.