2025 CPT code 21320
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Fracture and/or Dislocation Procedures on the Head Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Feed
Closed treatment of nasal bone fracture with manipulation and stabilization.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the complexity of the procedure or if other services are performed in conjunction with the closed reduction. Examples include modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) for increased complexity and modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) if the reduction is considered distinct from other services.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a symptomatic nasal fracture requiring manipulation and stabilization to restore nasal structure and function.Documentation must support the need for closed reduction rather than observation alone.
The physician's responsibility includes examination, closed reduction (manual manipulation) of the nasal bone fracture, application of a stabilization device (splint, etc.), and potentially the placement of intranasal splints or packing if needed. Preoperative and postoperative care and instructions are also included.
In simple words: The doctor fixes a broken nose without surgery. They gently move the broken bones back into place and then use a splint or other device to hold them in the correct position while they heal.
This CPT code encompasses the closed treatment of a nasal bone fracture, involving manual manipulation to realign the fractured bones and subsequent stabilization to maintain the reduction.The procedure does not involve surgical incision. Stabilization may involve the application of splints or other appropriate devices.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room after a sports injury with a deviated nasal bone. The physician performs a closed reduction with manipulation, realigning the bone, and applies a splint for stabilization. Code 21320 is reported., A patient is involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustains a nasal fracture with significant displacement.The physician performs closed reduction with manipulation and stabilization using an external splint.Due to the complexity of the fracture and the significant effort required for reduction, modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) is appended to 21320., A patient presents with a minimally displaced nasal fracture. Closed reduction with manipulation is performed, and a simple splint is applied for stabilization.Code 21320 is reported without modifiers.
* Detailed history of the injury, including mechanism of injury.* Thorough physical examination documenting the nasal fracture, including location, displacement, and any associated injuries.* Documentation of the closed reduction technique used.* Description of the stabilization method employed, including type of splint or other device used.* Photographs (pre and post-procedure) documenting the fracture and its reduction.* Postoperative instructions given to the patient.
** The use of this code is appropriate only when the fracture is treated by closed reduction with manipulation and stabilization. If only manipulation is performed without stabilization, CPT code 21315 is appropriate. If neither manipulation nor stabilization is performed, an E/M code should be used.
- Revenue Code: P5B (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - MUSCULOSKELETAL)
- RVU: This information is not provided in the source, and varies by payer and location.Consult your specific payer's fee schedule.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is not explicitly defined in the provided text.Consult the specific payer's guidelines for the applicable global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code, as it represents the entire service of closed reduction with stabilization.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not included in the source.Consult your specific payer's historical fee schedules.
- Specialties:Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center