2025 CPT code 25608
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Fracture and/or Dislocation Procedures on the Radius and Ulna Surgery/Musculoskeletal System Feed
Open treatment of distal radial intra-articular fracture or epiphyseal separation; with internal fixation of 2 fragments.
Modifiers may be applicable to 25608 in certain situations.Modifier 54 (Surgical Care Only) may be used if the surgeon performs only the surgical procedure and does not provide postoperative care. Modifier 76 (Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician) may be used if the procedure is repeated by the same surgeon. Modifier LT or RT can be appended to specify laterality.
Medical necessity for 25608 is established when open reduction and internal fixation is required to restore anatomical alignment and function of the distal radius due to an intra-articular fracture or epiphyseal separation involving two fragments that cannot be adequately managed with closed or percutaneous methods. Factors influencing medical necessity include displacement, instability, associated injuries, and patient-specific factors.
The physician opens the fracture site, reduces (repositions) the fractured bone fragments, and then stabilizes them with internal fixation devices. They also control bleeding and close the surgical wound.This requires specialized surgical skills and knowledge of fracture management.
In simple words: This procedure repairs a broken wrist bone at the joint. The surgeon makes an incision to access the broken bone, puts the pieces back together, and secures them with metal hardware like pins or screws.
This code describes a surgical procedure for treating a fracture of the distal radius (the larger bone in the forearm) that involves the joint surface (intra-articular) or a separation of the radial epiphysis (growth plate). The procedure is performed through an open incision and includes internal fixation of two bone fragments using hardware like wires, screws, or pins.
Example 1: A 25-year-old snowboarder falls and sustains an intra-articular distal radius fracture with two displaced fragments.Open reduction and internal fixation with two screws is performed (25608)., A 70-year-old woman falls at home and fractures her distal radius. The fracture extends into the wrist joint and involves two fragments. She undergoes open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires (25608)., A child falls from a tree and experiences a Salter-Harris type III fracture of the distal radius (involving the epiphysis). Open reduction and internal fixation with a single smooth pin is performed (25608).
Documentation should include details of the fracture, including location, type (intra-articular or epiphyseal separation), number of fragments, method of reduction, type of internal fixation used, and any associated injuries. Operative reports should describe the surgical approach, debridement (if performed), and closure technique.
** For accurate coding and billing, it is essential to consult the most recent CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines. Proper documentation is crucial for supporting the medical necessity of the procedure and ensuring appropriate reimbursement.
- Global Days : Global Days Explanation:90 days
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (Technical Component) is not applicable to 25608 as it represents a complete surgical procedure including both the technical and professional components.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center