Summary & Overview
CPT 25651: Percutaneous Fixation of Ulnar Styloid Fracture
CPT code 25651 denotes percutaneous fixation of an ulnar styloid fracture at the wrist using pins or wires to stabilize the bone. This code captures a commonly performed, minimally invasive orthopedic procedure following wrist trauma such as a fall on an outstretched hand. Nationally, accurate coding of 25651 matters for clinical documentation, claims consistency, and appropriate payment for outpatient fracture management.
Major payers typically referenced for this procedure include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. This publication summarizes clinical context for the code, expected sites of service, common modifiers and coding considerations (listed separately), and practical guidance on documentation elements that support medical necessity.
Readers will find benchmarks and operational context relevant to coding and billing for percutaneous ulnar styloid fixation: average utilization patterns, payment considerations, and common coding pitfalls. The content also outlines how 25651 fits into broader orthopedic surgical coding and what documentation typically accompanies the service. Data not available in the input is identified where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 25651 describes a percutaneous fixation of an ulnar styloid fracture at the wrist. The procedure involves insertion of a pin or wire through the skin into the ulnar styloid bone to stabilize the fracture.
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Service type: Percutaneous orthopedic fracture fixation
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Typical site of service: Outpatient orthopedic clinic, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital outpatient department
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old patient presents to the emergency department after falling onto an outstretched hand. Examination and wrist radiographs demonstrate a displaced fracture of the ulnar styloid at the wrist. The orthopedic surgeon evaluates neurovascular status, obtains informed consent, and schedules a percutaneous fixation procedure. In the operating room or procedure suite under regional block or general anesthesia, the surgeon reduces the ulnar styloid fragment and inserts one or more percutaneous Kirschner wires (K-wires) or pins across the fracture to maintain alignment. Fluoroscopic imaging is used intraoperatively to confirm reduction and hardware placement. The patient is immobilized in a splint or cast postoperatively and discharged with wound care, activity restrictions, and arranged outpatient follow-up for pin removal and radiographic healing assessment. Typical site of service is the hospital operating room, ambulatory surgery center, or emergency procedure area for urgent fixation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
52 | Reduced services | Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as originally planned. |
53 | Discontinued procedure |