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Official Description

Closed treatment of radial and ulnar shaft fractures; without manipulation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 25560 refers to the closed treatment of fractures located in the shafts of both the radial and ulnar bones without the need for manipulation. This procedure is specifically indicated for nondisplaced fractures, meaning that the bone fragments have not shifted from their original position. During the treatment, a thorough evaluation is conducted, which includes obtaining separate radiographs to confirm the presence and nature of the fractures. Additionally, a neurovascular examination is performed to assess the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the injury site, ensuring that there are no complications that could affect healing or function. Following the assessment, the arm is immobilized using a long arm splint or cast to provide stability and support during the healing process. It is important to note that this code is distinct from CPT® Code 25565, which is used for minimally displaced fractures that require manipulation to realign the bone fragments properly.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of radial and ulnar shaft fractures without manipulation, as described by CPT® Code 25560, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Nondisplaced Fractures These are fractures where the bone fragments remain in their normal anatomical position and do not require surgical intervention for realignment.
  • Fractures of the Radial Shaft This includes any fracture occurring in the shaft of the radius, one of the two long bones in the forearm.
  • Fractures of the Ulnar Shaft This pertains to fractures occurring in the shaft of the ulna, the other long bone in the forearm.

2. Procedure

The procedure for closed treatment of radial and ulnar shaft fractures without manipulation involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Radiographic Evaluation Initially, separate radiographs are obtained to confirm the presence of fractures in both the radial and ulnar shafts. This imaging is crucial for assessing the type and extent of the fractures.
  • Step 2: Neurovascular Examination A comprehensive neurovascular exam is performed to evaluate the status of the nerves and blood vessels in the area of the injury. This step is essential to ensure that there are no complications that could impede healing or lead to further injury.
  • Step 3: Application of Immobilization Device Once the fractures are confirmed and the neurovascular status is deemed stable, the arm is immobilized using a long arm splint or cast. This immobilization is critical for maintaining the position of the bone fragments and facilitating proper healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment procedure is completed, the patient will typically require follow-up care to monitor the healing process. The immobilization device, whether a splint or cast, should remain in place for the duration recommended by the healthcare provider, which may vary based on the specific nature of the fractures. Regular follow-up appointments may include additional radiographs to ensure that the fractures are healing correctly and that there are no complications. Patients should also be advised on signs of potential complications, such as increased pain, swelling, or changes in sensation, which should prompt immediate medical attention.

Short Descr CLTX RDL&ULN SHFT FX WO MNPJ
Medium Descr CLOSED TX RADIAL&ULNAR SHAFT FRACTURES W/O MNPJ
Long Descr Closed treatment of radial and ulnar shaft fractures; 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) 1 - Statutory 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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; 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 145 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of radius and ulna
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).
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.
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 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.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
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.)
AG Primary physician
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptions changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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