Summary & Overview
CPT 25370: Osteotomy of Radius or Ulna Shaft with Intramedullary Rod
CPT code 25370 represents corrective osteotomy of the radius or ulna shaft with intramedullary rod fixation to straighten an improperly developed forearm bone. Nationally, this code captures a specialized orthopedic procedure used to restore limb alignment, improve function, and address congenital or developmental deformities. Its use has implications for surgical resource allocation, perioperative management, and post-operative rehabilitation planning.
Key payers commonly involved in coverage and claims for this procedure include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, and payer considerations. The publication presents benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement where available, highlights policy updates that affect coverage and prior authorization practices, and outlines coding nuances and related service implications for billing teams.
The content is intended for a national audience of clinicians, coding professionals, and payer policy analysts who need a clear, practical summary of what CPT code 25370 denotes, how it is typically delivered, and what payer interactions and documentation priorities are commonly associated with this type of corrective orthopedic surgery.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 25370 describes a surgical procedure in which a provider performs multiple osteotomies of the shaft of an improperly developed radius or ulna and straightens the bone using an intramedullary rod. This procedure is a form of corrective long-bone surgery aimed at realigning a malformed forearm bone.
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Service type: Corrective orthopedic surgery (osteotomy with intramedullary fixation)
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Typical site of service: Operating room or ambulatory surgical center for orthopedic surgery
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a pediatric or adolescent presenting with an established deformity of the radius or ulna (congenital pseudarthrosis, malunited fracture, or progressive bowing) causing pain, functional limitation, or cosmetic concern. The patient has localized forearm deformity confirmed by clinical exam and radiographs demonstrating a bowed or improperly developed diaphysis. Nonoperative management (observation, bracing, or physical therapy) has failed or is unlikely to correct progressive deformity.
Preoperative workflow includes history and physical, focused neurovascular exam, plain radiographs of the forearm (AP and lateral), and templating for osteotomy and intramedullary rod fixation. The procedure is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia with possible regional block. The surgeon performs a multi-segmental (multiple) osteotomy of the radius or ulna diaphysis, corrects alignment, and inserts an intramedullary rod for stabilization. Intraoperative fluoroscopy confirms alignment and hardware position. Typical postoperative care includes immobilization in a cast or splint, pain control, wound checks, and serial radiographs to document union and maintenance of correction. Follow-up visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and serially until radiographic consolidation guide cast removal and progressive activity. Physical therapy may begin after initial healing to restore range of motion and function.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Normally scheduled procedure |