© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The closed treatment of temporomandibular dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 21485, involves the management of a complicated dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is a critical joint that connects the jawbone (mandible) to the skull, allowing for essential movements such as chewing and speaking. Dislocation of this joint occurs when the condyle, which is the rounded end of the mandible, moves beyond its normal position and becomes lodged in front of the articular eminence of the temporal bone. This condition can lead to significant discomfort and functional impairment, often resulting in the jaw being locked in an open position due to muscle spasms. In cases classified under CPT® Code 21485, the dislocation is considered complicated, which may include recurrent dislocations that necessitate additional interventions such as intermaxillary fixation or splinting. The procedure typically begins with the administration of local anesthetics or intravenous muscle relaxants to facilitate the manipulation of the jaw. The healthcare provider then performs a series of maneuvers to reposition the mandible back into its proper alignment. Following the successful reduction of the dislocation, the jaw is immobilized using interdental wire fixation or a splint. This immobilization is crucial as it allows the ligaments surrounding the joint to tighten, thereby limiting movement and reducing the likelihood of future dislocations. The use of this code is applicable for both initial and subsequent treatments of TMJ dislocation, highlighting its importance in managing this complex condition effectively.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The closed treatment of temporomandibular dislocation using CPT® Code 21485 is indicated for patients experiencing complicated dislocations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for the closed treatment of temporomandibular dislocation under CPT® Code 21485 involves several critical steps to ensure effective management of the dislocation:
Following the closed treatment of temporomandibular dislocation, patients may require specific post-procedure care to ensure optimal recovery. It is important to monitor the patient for any signs of complications, such as persistent pain or difficulty in jaw movement. Patients are typically advised to follow a soft diet to minimize strain on the jaw during the healing process. Additionally, the immobilization device may need to be worn for a specified duration, as determined by the healthcare provider, to promote healing and stability of the joint. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess the recovery progress and to make any adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
| Short Descr | CLTX TMPRMAND DISLC COMP | Medium Descr | CLOSED TX TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISLC COMP 1ST/SBSQ | Long Descr | Closed treatment of temporomandibular dislocation; complicated (eg, recurrent requiring intermaxillary fixation or splinting), initial or subsequent | 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) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | 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 |
| 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 54 | Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number. | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 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) |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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