2025 CPT code 25530
Closed treatment of ulnar shaft fracture; without manipulation.
Modifiers may be applicable to this code. Modifier 54 (Surgical Care Only) would be used if the provider performing the initial treatment does not provide subsequent care. Modifier 76 (Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician) may be appended if the fracture requires subsequent re-reduction by the same physician.
Medical necessity for 25530 is established by the presence of a fracture in the shaft of the ulna requiring treatment. The decision for closed treatment without manipulation is based on the fracture's stability, alignment, and the absence of other complicating factors that would necessitate surgical intervention or manipulation.
In simple words: The doctor treats a broken ulna bone in the forearm without surgery or needing to realign the broken pieces. A cast, splint, or brace may be used to stabilize the fracture.
This code represents the closed treatment of a fracture of the shaft of the ulna without manipulation. Closed treatment signifies that the fracture site is not surgically opened. Without manipulation indicates that the fractured bone fragments are not realigned or repositioned.
Example 1: A patient falls and sustains a closed, non-displaced fracture of the ulnar shaft. The physician diagnoses the fracture through physical examination and radiographic imaging. Since the fracture is stable and well-aligned, the physician decides to treat the fracture conservatively with a cast, without the need for surgical intervention or manipulation., A patient presents to the emergency department with pain and swelling in their forearm following a direct blow. Imaging reveals a minimally displaced ulnar shaft fracture. The physician determines that the fracture is stable and opts for closed treatment with a splint, avoiding surgery or manipulation., A patient experiences a greenstick fracture of the ulnar shaft. Due to the nature of the fracture and the patient's age, the physician elects for closed treatment with immobilization, forgoing manipulation or surgical intervention to allow the bone to heal naturally.
Documentation should include details of the injury, physical examination findings, radiographic confirmation of the ulnar shaft fracture, and the method of closed treatment (e.g., type of cast or splint). Details about the lack of manipulation should also be clearly documented. If there is an associated wound, it should be described to differentiate between a closed fracture and an open fracture.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital