2025 CPT code 23575
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Fracture and Dislocation Treatment Musculoskeletal System Feed
Closed treatment of a scapular fracture; with manipulation, with or without skeletal traction.
Modifiers 50 (bilateral procedure), 51 (multiple procedures), 54 (surgical care only), 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician), and others may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances.
Medical necessity for 23575 is established when a patient presents with a scapular fracture requiring closed treatment.The fracture must be significantly displaced or unstable to warrant manipulation or traction, and the choice of technique must be medically appropriate based on the specific fracture characteristics.The need for immobilization is also considered.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for the reduction of the scapular fracture, application of traction (if necessary), and immobilization of the fracture using a sling or brace.Post-operative monitoring and follow-up care may be required.
- Musculoskeletal System
- Musculoskeletal System > Fracture and Dislocation Treatment > Closed Treatment
In simple words: This code describes a doctor's treatment of a broken shoulder blade without surgery. The doctor will realign the broken bone pieces by carefully moving and pulling them back into place.They may also use traction (pulling force) with pins or wires to help realign the bone.The broken bone is then supported with a sling or brace to help it heal.
This CPT code encompasses the closed treatment of a scapular fracture, involving manipulation (adjustment of fractured bone fragments) with or without skeletal traction.Skeletal traction utilizes pins, wires, screws, or clamps inserted into the bone to apply a pulling force for fracture reduction.The procedure does not involve surgical opening of the treatment site.Shoulder joint involvement may be present but does not alter the coding.
Example 1: A patient presents with a displaced scapular fracture following a fall. The physician performs closed reduction under fluoroscopic guidance, applying skeletal traction to achieve satisfactory alignment. A sling is then applied for immobilization., A patient sustains a nondisplaced scapular fracture in a motor vehicle accident. The physician performs closed manipulation to restore alignment without skeletal traction. A shoulder immobilizer is applied for four to six weeks., A patient has a complex scapular fracture with associated glenohumeral joint instability.Closed reduction and skeletal traction are used to achieve alignment, followed by a shoulder immobilizer.Further imaging studies and follow-up appointments are scheduled.
Pre-operative documentation should include the patient's history and physical examination, imaging studies (X-rays) demonstrating the fracture, and any relevant laboratory tests. Intraoperative documentation should detail the technique used for reduction (manipulation, traction), the type and placement of any immobilization devices, and any complications. Post-operative documentation should include a plan for follow-up care and imaging studies to confirm reduction and healing.
** This code is used for closed treatment only. If surgical intervention is necessary, an open treatment code should be used instead.Always confirm the appropriate code selection based on the specific procedure performed and the documentation provided.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Ambulatory Surgical Center