Summary & Overview
CPT 29425: Application of Static Short Arm Splint (Forearm to Hand)
CPT code 29425 is a nationally recognized billing code for the application of a static short arm splint, spanning from the forearm to the hand. This procedure is a cornerstone in orthopedic care, frequently used to immobilize fractures, sprains, and other injuries to the lower arm and hand. The code is relevant across a variety of clinical settings, with the office being the most common site of service.
Major payers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare provide coverage for this procedure, making it widely accessible for patients requiring orthopedic intervention. The publication offers a comprehensive overview of clinical indications, payer coverage, and policy updates related to 29425. Readers will gain insight into typical use cases, associated diagnoses, and how this code fits within broader orthopedic billing practices. Benchmarks and recent policy changes are also discussed, providing context for reimbursement and compliance trends.
This summary serves as a resource for understanding the clinical and administrative significance of CPT code 29425, including its role in orthopedic treatment protocols and its impact on payer coverage nationwide.
CPT Code Overview
CPT code 29425 represents the application of a short arm splint (forearm to hand) in a static position. This procedure is commonly performed in orthopedic settings to immobilize injuries such as fractures or sprains of the forearm, wrist, or hand. The service type is Orthopedics, and the typical site of service is the office (Place of Service 11). The static splint helps stabilize the affected area, promoting proper healing and reducing movement that could worsen the injury.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to the orthopedic office after sustaining a closed fracture of the distal radius or hand, such as from a fall or sports injury. The provider evaluates the injury, confirms the diagnosis with clinical examination and imaging, and determines that immobilization is required. The provider applies a static short arm splint from the forearm to the hand to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. The procedure is performed in the office setting, and the splint is applied to either the left or right side, depending on the injury location.
Coding Specifications
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Modifiers:
LT: Indicates the procedure was performed on the left side.RT: Indicates the procedure was performed on the right side.
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Associated Provider Taxonomies:
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty Name |
|---|---|
| 207X00000X | Orthopaedic Surgery |
| 207XX0004X | Orthopaedic Surgery of the Hand |
| 207P00000X | Emergency Medicine Physician |
- Specialties Represented:
- Orthopaedic surgeons
- Hand surgeons
- Emergency medicine physicians
Related Diagnoses
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S52.501A- Unspecified fracture of the lower end of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture- Relevant for splinting the right forearm due to a distal radius fracture.
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S52.502A- Unspecified fracture of the lower end of left radius, initial encounter for closed fracture- Relevant for splinting the left forearm due to a distal radius fracture.
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S62.501A- Unspecified fracture of the right hand, initial encounter for closed fracture- Indicates a right hand fracture requiring immobilization with a short arm splint.
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S62.502A- Unspecified fracture of the left hand, initial encounter for closed fracture- Indicates a left hand fracture requiring immobilization with a short arm splint.
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M84.431A- Stress fracture, right radius, initial encounter- Used for stress fractures of the right radius, where splinting is necessary for stabilization and healing.
Related CPT Codes
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29125- Application of short arm splint (forearm to hand); dynamic- Used when a dynamic splint is required, allowing some movement. Alternative to
29425for cases needing flexibility.
- Used when a dynamic splint is required, allowing some movement. Alternative to
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29130- Application of finger splint; static- Used for immobilization of individual fingers. May be used in conjunction with or instead of
29425if the injury is isolated to a finger.
- Used for immobilization of individual fingers. May be used in conjunction with or instead of
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29105- Application of long arm splint (shoulder to hand); static- Used for more extensive immobilization from shoulder to hand. Alternative to
29425for proximal injuries or when greater immobilization is needed.
- Used for more extensive immobilization from shoulder to hand. Alternative to
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29515- Application of short leg splint (calf to foot); static- Used for lower extremity injuries. Not typically used with
29425, but relevant for similar splinting procedures in the lower limb.
- Used for lower extremity injuries. Not typically used with
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
National mean rates for CPT code 29425 show that Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealth Group, and BUCA (average commercial) all reimburse at higher levels than Medicare. The BUCA mean rate is $98.37, while Medicare's mean rate is $83.53, a difference of $14.84. Cigna and UnitedHealth Group have the highest mean rates among commercial payers, both exceeding $125.
Rate dispersion varies significantly across payers. Medicare has the tightest range, with a difference of only $9.00 between the 75th and 25th percentiles. In contrast, Cigna exhibits the widest spread, with a $74.17 difference between its 75th and 25th percentiles. This indicates greater variability in commercial payer rates compared to Medicare.
The table and chart below present the full breakdown of national benchmarks for each payer, including mean rates and percentile values.
Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.