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The CPT® Code 21325 refers to the open treatment of an uncomplicated nasal fracture. This procedure involves a surgical approach where the physician makes an incision along the nasal septum, which is the wall dividing the two nostrils. The purpose of this incision is to gain direct access to the fractured bone(s) within the nose, allowing for proper visualization and manipulation of the affected area. During the procedure, specialized instruments such as forceps and nasal elevators are employed to carefully reposition the fractured bones back into their correct anatomical alignment. This technique is specifically designated for uncomplicated cases, meaning that there are no additional complications or complexities associated with the fracture that would necessitate a more invasive approach. In contrast, more complicated cases, as indicated by CPT® Code 21330, may require additional incisions and the excision of bone to facilitate the reduction process. The overall goal of the open treatment is to restore the structural integrity of the nasal framework, ensuring proper healing and function post-surgery.
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The open treatment of an uncomplicated nasal fracture, as described by CPT® Code 21325, is indicated for patients who have sustained a nasal fracture that does not involve complications. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The open treatment of an uncomplicated nasal fracture involves several key procedural steps:
Following the open treatment of an uncomplicated nasal fracture, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve some swelling and discomfort. Post-procedure care typically includes instructions for managing pain, keeping the surgical site clean, and monitoring for any signs of complications. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow up with their physician to ensure proper healing and alignment of the nasal structure. The use of external splints, if applied, may also be part of the post-procedure care to support the healing process.
| Short Descr | OPEN TX NOSE FX UNCOMPLICATD | Medium Descr | OPEN TREATMENT NASAL FRACTURE UNCOMPLICATED | Long Descr | Open treatment of nasal fracture; uncomplicated | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 144 - Treatment, facial fracture or dislocation |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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