AMA CPT® Assistant - 2007 Issue 10 (October)
Fracture and/or Dislocation - Distal Radius (October 2007)
October 2007 pages 7-10 Coding Communication: Fracture and/or Dislocation - Distal Radius Fractures of the distal radius are the most common fractures of the upper extremity and account for 17% of all fractures treated in the emergency department. Wrist injuries represent 14% of all extremity injuries, and fractures of the distal radius (with or without an associated fracture of the ulna) account for approximately 75% of forearm fractures. Historically, open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures was introduced in the late 1960s. Since the 1990s, this has become the dominant surgical treatment method for distal radial fractures...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This CPT Assistant article focuses on distal radius fracture and dislocation coding updates published in October 2007. It is aimed at coders, physicians, and surgical staff who need to understand the scope of the revised distal radius treatment codes, related cross-references, and how the article’s guidance fits into fracture management documentation. The content also places these coding changes in the context of common fracture patterns, operative approaches, and specialty settings.
Why This Topic Matters
Distal radius injuries are common, and the article explains why CPT 2007 changes affected reporting for several treatment categories. It helps readers identify when the article’s guidance applies to orthopedic and other surgical services.
Article Sections
-
October 2007 pages 7-10
Introductory article context and overview of distal radius fracture treatment in clinical and coding settings.
-
Distal Radial Fractures
General clinical background on distal radial fracture characteristics, classifications, and treatment approaches.
-
Coding Tip
High-level coding guidance discussing how distal radius and related fracture treatment services are organized in CPT.
-
Clinical Example (25607) / Description of Procedure (25607)
Illustrative material associated with one of the revised distal radius fracture codes, including procedure narrative.
-
Clinical Example (25608) / Description of Procedure (25608)
Illustrative material associated with another revised distal radius fracture code, including procedure narrative.
-
Clinical Example (25609) / Description of Procedure (25609)
Illustrative material associated with a more complex revised distal radius fracture code, including procedure narrative.
-
Percutaneous Skeletal Fixation
Discussion of the percutaneous fixation portion of the article and related cross-references for distal radius care.
-
Clinical Example (25606) / Description of Procedure (25606)
Illustrative material associated with percutaneous fixation of distal radius fracture, including procedure narrative.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames distal radius fracture and dislocation coding changes in CPT 2007.
- What types of clinical and procedural topics are covered for distal radius fracture treatment.
- How the article relates coding guidance to operative settings and specialty practice.
- What kinds of supporting examples and procedure narratives are included for review.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Orthopaedic surgeons
- Hand surgeons
- General surgeons
- Plastic surgeons
- Billing and reimbursement staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com
