Wiki 25575 or 25607 and 25545

[RebeccaMoney]

Patient has both a distal radius fracture and a distal ulna fracture that need to be repair. My physician is asking whether to code 25607 and 25545 or just the one CPT 25575. I'm feeling like the two codes 25607 and 25545 would be more appropriate since the fractures are both distal and not shaft. In the past, I was told that CPT 25545 is for the distal ulna. Would anyone be willing to give me an opinion on this?
Thanks for much and have a wonderful Monday!

 

[RebeccaMoney]

Anyone??

 

[kkidd91]

Hi Rebecca,
I am a new orthopedic surgery coder and have a case similar to this and was wonder if you have any input or advise.

I am thinking CPT 25608 & 25545 or 25575 however the 25575 is for shaft fractures so I am unsure if the distal radius portion would count as a shaft fracture.

The operative report states "Open reduction and internal fixation of the two-part intraarticular distal radius."

and

"there was an intraarticular portion to the distal ulnar shaft fracture at the DRUJ, so at this point, we elected to proceed with operative fixation of the distal ulnar shaft. An incision was made between the subcutaneous border of the ulna. We identified and protected the dorsal ulnar sensory branch. The ulna was subperiosteally dissected, and an Osteomed T-plate was selected. This was provisionally pinned and then fixed to the ulnar shaft as a direct reduction technique. I then placed additional cortical screws proximally and locking screws distally. This gave us a good alignment and reduction of the distal ulna fracture."

Thank you