Wiki Both bone forearm percutaneous pinning

[RebeccaMoney]

Pt has distal radius fracture and an ulnar shaft fracture. Both are repaired with percutaneous pinning. I was thinking 25606 for radius but what for ulnar shaft fracture. In the past I was told to use 25535 for the ulna.
Description: ....Under orthogonal fluoroscopic imaging, a closed reduction was performed. A single K-wire was advanced across the distal radius. A second K-wire was advanced across the ulnar shaft fracture. Both fractures were reduced and aligned. There, a second K-wire was advanced across the radial shaft fracture. This again reinforced alignment of this highly unstable fracture.
Doctor gave me CPT 25545 which is for ORIF which I know isn't correct.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks,

 

[Orthocoderpgu]

Code description states... includes internal fixation "when performed". So ORIF is not necessary. PP is a temporary form of ORIF (Speaking broadly), I would consider 25545-52.

 

[RebeccaMoney]

I understand your thinking and it does make sense. This is a tough one. I wish coding wasn't so gray? I will discuss with my physician. Any other comments?
thanks,

 

[Orthocoderpgu]

No. Just remember ORIF is not a requirement, PP is a form of open treatment once again broadly speaking.