Summary & Overview
HCPCS Q4045: Short Leg Plaster Splint, Adult (11+)
HCPCS Level II code Q4045 denotes a plaster short leg splint for adolescents (11 years+) and adults used for temporary immobilization of the lower leg. As a supply-focused HCPCS Level II code, Q4045 matters across emergency, urgent care, and outpatient orthopedic settings because it defines billing for a common immobilization product that is frequently used at point of care. Nationwide, standardized coding for splint supplies supports consistent claims processing, clinical documentation, and inventory tracking.
This analysis covers coverage and handling by major national payers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of payer coverage patterns, common billing modifiers, typical sites of service, and clinical context for when short leg plaster splints are used. The publication also summarizes benchmarks and billing practices related to supply codes, highlights policy considerations affecting reimbursement for immobilization supplies, and outlines documentation elements commonly required by payers.
The content is intended for billing professionals, practice managers, and clinicians involved in musculoskeletal care and supply management, providing a concise reference to support correct code use and claim submission at the national level.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code Q4045 describes cast supplies, short leg splint, adult (11 years +), plaster. This supply-level code represents the provision of a short leg plaster splint intended for use on adolescents (11 years and older) and adults.
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Service type: Durable medical supply for immobilization and temporary stabilization of the lower leg.
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Typical site of service: Outpatient clinics, emergency departments, urgent care centers, orthopedic offices, and hospital ambulatory settings where splinting or casting supplies are provided.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 35-year-old adult presents to an urgent care clinic after twisting the lower leg during a fall. The patient reports localized pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Clinical evaluation and ankle radiographs rule out a displaced fracture but show soft-tissue injury or a nondisplaced distal tibia/fibula fracture requiring immobilization. The clinician decides to apply a short leg plaster splint to stabilize the ankle and lower leg, control swelling, and provide pain relief while arranging follow-up with orthopedics.
The clinical workflow: outpatient or urgent care triage → focused musculoskeletal exam and neurovascular check → plain radiographs as indicated → informed consent and explanation of splinting procedure → application of Q4045 short leg plaster splint (adult) using appropriate padding and plaster materials, molding for fit, and immobilization technique → post-application neurovascular recheck and patient discharge instructions including weight-bearing status, wound care if applicable, and follow-up appointment with orthopedics for definitive casting or advanced care. Typical sites of service include urgent care centers, emergency departments, orthopedic clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers for temporary immobilization prior to definitive management.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
LT | Left side |