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The CPT® Code 25931 refers to a specific surgical procedure known as transmetacarpal amputation, specifically indicating a re-amputation. This procedure involves the complete removal of the bones that form the fingers from the hand. In simpler terms, it is a surgical intervention where the physician performs an amputation at the level of the metacarpal bones, which are the long bones in the hand that connect the wrist to the fingers. This procedure is typically indicated in cases where there is significant injury, disease, or other medical conditions affecting the fingers that necessitate their removal. It is important to note that if the physician needs to revisit the surgical site to apply a more permanent closure to the resulting wound or to remove excess scar tissue, a different code, CPT® 25929, should be used. Conversely, CPT® 25931 is specifically utilized when the physician returns to the site to remove additional tissue from the area of the amputation, highlighting the procedural nuances that dictate the appropriate coding for billing and documentation purposes.
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The indications for performing a transmetacarpal amputation, as described by CPT® Code 25931, typically include severe trauma to the fingers, malignancies, or chronic infections that compromise the integrity and function of the fingers. This procedure may also be indicated in cases where there is significant tissue loss or necrosis that cannot be salvaged, necessitating the removal of the affected fingers to prevent further complications.
The procedure for a transmetacarpal amputation, as denoted by CPT® Code 25931, involves several critical steps that ensure the safe and effective removal of the fingers. First, the patient is positioned appropriately, and the surgical site is prepared and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Following this, the surgeon makes an incision at the level of the metacarpal bones, carefully dissecting through the skin and soft tissues to expose the underlying structures. The surgeon then identifies and transects the metacarpal bones, ensuring complete removal of the fingers. Once the bones are removed, the surgeon inspects the site for any additional tissue that may need to be excised. If necessary, the surgeon may perform further debridement to ensure that all non-viable tissue is removed. After the amputation is complete, the surgeon closes the incision, which may involve suturing the skin and soft tissues to promote healing. The procedure concludes with a thorough dressing of the surgical site to protect it during the initial recovery phase.
After the transmetacarpal amputation procedure, patients typically require careful monitoring for signs of infection and proper healing of the surgical site. Post-operative care may include pain management, wound care instructions, and follow-up appointments to assess healing progress. Patients may also be advised on rehabilitation options to adapt to the changes in hand function and to facilitate recovery. It is essential for patients to adhere to the post-operative care guidelines provided by their healthcare team to ensure optimal recovery and minimize complications.
| Short Descr | AMPUTATION FOLLOW-UP SURGERY | Medium Descr | TRANSMETACARPAL AMPUTATION RE-AMPUTATION | Long Descr | Transmetacarpal amputation; re-amputation | 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 | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 164 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on musculoskeletal system |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 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.) | F7 | Right hand, third digit | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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