2025 CPT code 20805

Replantation of a completely amputated forearm, including radius and ulna to the radial carpal joint.

Follow current CPT guidelines for surgical procedures, including those specific to replantations and musculoskeletal procedures.Proper documentation is crucial to support the medical necessity and the appropriate code assignment.

Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures), 59 (distinct procedural service), 76 (repeat procedure) and others may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the case.Always refer to the most recent CPT guidelines.

Medical necessity for replantation depends on factors such as patient age, overall health, the level of amputation, functional potential of the replant, and patient preference. Replantation is generally considered medically necessary when it offers a reasonable chance of restoring significant function and improving quality of life.

The surgeon's responsibilities include wound preparation, assessment of the amputated limb, debridement, identification and repair of blood vessels (arteries and veins) and nerves, bone fixation (e.g., using plates and screws), tendon repair, and skin closure (possibly with grafts or flaps). Post-operative care is also part of the global surgical period.

IMPORTANT Related codes may include those for bone repair, ligament repair, tendon repair, nerve repair, and vascular repair, depending on the specifics of the replantation. Modifiers 51 and 59 may be appended as appropriate.

In simple words: This is a major surgery to reattach a completely severed forearm. The doctor will reconnect the bones, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons to reattach the arm.Skin grafts may be needed.

Replantation of a completely amputated forearm involves reattaching the severed limb at the radial carpal joint.The procedure includes the radius and ulna bones.It necessitates meticulous reconnection of arteries, veins, nerves, tendons, and bones, often requiring microvascular anastomosis and bone fixation.Extensive debridement, skin grafting or flap procedures may be necessary to address tissue damage and ensure wound closure.

Example 1: A 35-year-old male factory worker suffers a complete forearm amputation in a workplace accident. The forearm is successfully reattached via replantation surgery., A 10-year-old boy has a complete forearm amputation due to a traumatic injury.Replantation is attempted, involving bone fixation, vascular anastomosis, nerve repair, and skin grafting., A 40-year-old female sustains a complete forearm amputation in a motor vehicle accident. Replantation is performed, requiring extensive microsurgical techniques to reconnect blood vessels and nerves. Extensive debridement is performed prior to reattachment.

Detailed operative report including all structures repaired (bone, vessels, nerves, tendons), type of fixation, and any grafts or flaps used. Pre-operative and post-operative imaging (X-rays), anesthesia records, pathology reports if tissue was sent for analysis.Detailed description of the injury and the replantation process.Documentation of the patient's progress during the 90-day global period.

** The complexity of the replantation will determine the level of resources and time required.The patient's age, overall health, and the condition of the amputated limb will impact the prognosis and the medical necessity for the procedure.

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