Summary & Overview
CPT 25250: Removal of Implanted Artificial Wrist Joint
CPT code 25250 represents the surgical removal of a previously implanted artificial wrist joint, a procedure performed when a wrist prosthesis fails, becomes infected, or causes an adverse reaction. Nationally, explantation procedures like this are clinically significant because they address device complications that can affect function, infection control, and long-term patient outcomes. The code is used to document and bill for the operative service of removing the implanted wrist device.
Key payers discussed in this publication include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise national overview of coding and clinical context for explantation of wrist prostheses, common sites of service, and typical service type. The publication also summarizes benchmark considerations and policy-relevant topics that influence coverage and reimbursement for device removal procedures.
This report provides: a clear description of what CPT code 25250 covers; the typical clinical indications prompting explantation; the usual care settings where the procedure is performed; and an outline of payer coverage scope. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 25250 describes the surgical removal of a previously implanted artificial wrist joint. This procedure is typically performed when an implanted wrist device fails, becomes infected, or prompts an adverse reaction requiring explantation.
Service Type: Surgical explantation of implanted wrist prosthesis
Typical Site of Service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgery center
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, specific ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old patient with a history of total wrist arthroplasty presents with increasing wrist pain, decreased range of motion, and signs of implant failure including loosening and radiographic hardware migration. The patient reports progressive functional decline over several months and has localized swelling and episodes of erythema near the surgical site. Prior conservative measures failed. After orthopaedic hand surgery evaluation, imaging (plain radiographs, possible CT) confirms prosthesis loosening and periprosthetic osteolysis. The multidisciplinary workflow includes preoperative evaluation by the orthopaedic surgeon and anesthesiology, informed consent discussing risks of explantation and reconstruction or conversion to arthrodesis, preoperative antibiotics if infection is suspected, surgical removal of the failed artificial wrist joint (25250) in an operating room or ambulatory surgical center, intraoperative cultures if infection is a concern, possible immediate conversion to wrist arthrodesis or placement of spacer, and postoperative wound care with appropriate follow-up.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when the work required to remove the implant is substantially greater than usual due to complexity, extensive scar tissue, or intraoperative complications. |