How To Use CPT Code 29325

CPT 29325 describes the application of a hip spica cast, specifically a one and one-half spica or both legs. 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 29325?

CPT 29325 can be used to describe the application of a hip spica cast, specifically a one and one-half spica or both legs. This code is used when a healthcare provider applies a body cast that encases the trunk and both legs down to the ankle or foot, or one leg down to the ankle or foot and one leg down to the knee in a one and one-half spica cast. The purpose of a hip spica cast is to immobilize the hip and thigh to aid in healing a hip fracture.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29325 is: ‘Application of hip spica cast; 1 and one-half spica or both legs. (For hip spica (body) cast, including thighs only, use 29046)’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider positions the lower body and affected hip and lower extremity for optimal healing.
2. They perform a complete neurovascular exam of the affected region before applying the cast.
3. They cover the trunk to the hips and include one or both legs down to the ankle or foot, or the second leg down just to the knee, with stockinette, a loose knit fabric.
4. They apply cotton or synthetic padding to protect the skin from irritation.
5. They then apply wet casting material in strips, such as plaster of Paris or fiberglass, over the padding, wrapping the material in a V pattern.
6. They roll the underlying stockinette over the openings in the cast to smooth out the edges.
7. They allow the cast to dry and then reassess its fit, trimming it if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 29325 services are those who require the application of a hip spica cast, specifically a one and one-half spica or both legs, to aid in healing a hip fracture. The healthcare provider must perform a complete neurovascular exam of the affected region before applying the cast to ensure the patient’s safety and well-being.

5. When to use CPT code 29325

CPT code 29325 should be used when a healthcare provider applies a hip spica cast, specifically a one and one-half spica or both legs, to aid in healing a hip fracture. This code should not be used for hip spica (body) cast, including thighs only, which has its own separate code (29046).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29325, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a hip spica cast
• Specific details of the cast applied, including whether it is a one and one-half spica or both legs
• Date of the cast application
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, such as the use of stockinette, padding, and casting material
• Assessment of the cast’s fit and any necessary adjustments made
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29325, ensure that the healthcare provider applies a hip spica cast, specifically a one and one-half spica or both legs. Use the appropriate CPT code (29046) if the cast includes thighs only. It is important to check with the payer for any specific guidelines or requirements for reporting CPT 29325. Additionally, if the cast application is included in the primary code for an associated surgical procedure, it may not be separately reportable.

8. Historical information

CPT 29325 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2010, which updated the description of the code.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider applies a one and one-half spica cast to a patient’s hip and both legs to aid in healing a hip fracture.
2. A patient with a hip fracture receives a hip spica cast that includes one leg down to the ankle or foot and the other leg down to the knee.
3. A healthcare provider applies a hip spica cast to a patient’s trunk and both legs down to the ankle or foot to aid in healing a hip fracture.
4. A patient with a hip fracture receives a hip spica cast that includes both legs down to the ankle or foot.
5. A healthcare provider applies a one and one-half spica cast to a patient’s hip and one leg down to the ankle or foot to aid in healing a hip fracture.
6. A patient with a hip fracture receives a hip spica cast that includes one leg down to the ankle or foot.
7. A healthcare provider applies a hip spica cast to a patient’s trunk and one leg down to the ankle or foot to aid in healing a hip fracture.
8. A patient with a hip fracture receives a hip spica cast that includes one leg down to the knee.
9. A healthcare provider applies a one and one-half spica cast to a patient’s hip and one leg down to the knee to aid in healing a hip fracture.
10. A patient with a hip fracture receives a hip spica cast that includes one leg down to the knee.