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The procedure described by CPT® Code 23520 refers to the closed treatment of a sternoclavicular dislocation, specifically without the use of manipulation. A sternoclavicular dislocation occurs at the joint where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the sternum (breastbone). This joint is crucial for shoulder movement and stability. In this procedure, the physician employs a non-invasive approach to treat the dislocation, which means that no surgical manipulation is performed to reposition the bones. Instead, the treatment involves stabilizing the shoulder joint by placing it in a sling, which helps to immobilize the area and promote healing. This method is applicable for both initial dislocations and recurrent dislocations, providing a conservative treatment option that can effectively manage the condition without the need for more invasive techniques. The distinction between this code and CPT® Code 23525 is important, as the latter involves manual or traction manipulation to correct the dislocation, whereas 23520 focuses solely on stabilization without such intervention.
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The closed treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 23520, is indicated for the following conditions:
The closed treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation involves several key procedural steps that ensure effective stabilization of the joint.
After the closed treatment of a sternoclavicular dislocation, the patient is expected to follow specific post-procedure care guidelines. The shoulder will remain in the sling for a designated period to ensure proper stabilization and healing. Patients are typically advised to avoid any activities that could strain the joint, including heavy lifting or overhead movements, during the recovery phase. Follow-up appointments are crucial to evaluate the healing process and to determine when it is safe to gradually resume normal activities. The physician may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder and improve range of motion once the initial healing has occurred.
| Short Descr | CLTX STRNCLAV DISLC W/O MNPJ | Medium Descr | CLSD TX STERNOCLAVICULAR DISLC W/O MANIPULATION | Long Descr | Closed treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation; without manipulation | 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) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure |
| 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). | 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. | 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. | 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) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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