In simple words: This code covers treating a broken bone in the wrist (ulnar styloid) without surgery. The doctor might adjust the bone, use traction, or put on a cast or splint.If the bone needs to be readjusted, extra billing codes apply.

This CPT code encompasses the closed treatment of a fracture involving the ulnar styloid process.The procedure involves no surgical incision and may include manipulation, traction (skeletal or skin), or immobilization techniques like casting or splinting.It does not include the application of external fixation.If reduction is not maintained and requires re-reduction, modifier 76 should be appended. If the initial treatment provider will not be providing subsequent treatment, modifier 54 should be added.

Example 1: A patient presents with a closed, minimally displaced ulnar styloid fracture following a fall. The physician performs closed reduction, applies a long arm splint, and instructs the patient on activity limitations., A patient sustains an avulsion fracture of the ulnar styloid with no displacement. The physician manages the fracture conservatively with ice, pain medication, and limited activity., A patient with a displaced ulnar styloid fracture undergoes closed reduction in the emergency department. The physician applies a cast and schedules a follow-up appointment for reassessment and cast removal.

** When considering treatment of the distal radius, where the ulnar styloid often is affected, specific codes for the distal radius treatment should be utilized and 25650 should not be used in conjunction unless there is a distinct and separate need to bill for ulnar styloid treatment.Always refer to the most up-to-date CPT manual for complete coding guidelines and updates.