Summary & Overview
CPT 29075: Application of Static Short Arm Splint, Forearm to Hand
CPT code 29075 is a nationally recognized billing code for the application of a static short arm splint, used to immobilize the forearm and hand following injuries such as fractures or stress injuries. This procedure is a cornerstone in orthopedic care, providing essential stabilization for patients and facilitating proper healing. The code is widely utilized in office-based settings by orthopedic surgeons and family medicine practitioners.
Major payers covering this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. The publication offers a comprehensive overview of payer coverage, clinical context, and relevant policy updates for CPT 29075. Readers will gain insights into typical use cases, associated diagnoses, and related procedural codes, as well as current benchmarks and billing considerations. The summary also highlights common modifiers and taxonomies relevant to the procedure, ensuring a thorough understanding of its place in orthopedic practice and medical billing.
This article is designed for healthcare professionals, billing specialists, and policy analysts seeking up-to-date information on the clinical and reimbursement landscape for short arm splint applications. It provides a clear, concise reference for understanding the scope and significance of CPT 29075 in national healthcare delivery.
CPT Code Overview
CPT 29075 represents the application of a short arm splint, extending from the forearm to the hand, in a static position. This procedure is commonly performed in orthopedic settings to immobilize injuries such as fractures or stress injuries of the forearm or hand. The service type is Orthopedics, and the typical site of service is the office setting (POS 11). Short arm splints are essential for stabilizing affected areas, promoting healing, and preventing further injury.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to the orthopedic office after sustaining a fall, resulting in pain and swelling in the wrist or hand. Upon evaluation, imaging confirms a closed fracture of the distal radius or hand. The provider determines that a static short arm splint is appropriate to immobilize the injury and facilitate healing. The splint is applied from the forearm to the hand, ensuring proper alignment and comfort. The procedure is performed in the office setting, and the laterality of the injury is documented using the appropriate modifier. Follow-up care is scheduled to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.
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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Provider Taxonomies:
Code Specialty 207X00000XOrthopaedic Surgery 207XX0004XOrthopaedic Trauma 207N00000XFamily Medicine -
Specialty Representation:
- Orthopaedic Surgery: Providers specializing in surgical and non-surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions.
- Orthopaedic Trauma: Providers focused on acute musculoskeletal injuries and trauma care.
- Family Medicine: Providers offering general medical care, including minor orthopedic procedures in office settings.
Related Diagnoses
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S52.501A- Unspecified fracture of the lower end of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture- Relevant for patients with a right distal radius fracture requiring immobilization with a short arm splint.
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S52.502A- Unspecified fracture of the lower end of left radius, initial encounter for closed fracture- Used for left distal radius fractures, indicating the need for splinting.
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S62.501A- Unspecified fracture of the right hand, initial encounter for closed fracture- Indicates a right hand fracture, appropriate for short arm splint application.
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S62.502A- Unspecified fracture of the left hand, initial encounter for closed fracture- Used for left hand fractures, relevant for splinting procedures.
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M84.431A- Stress fracture, right radius, initial encounter- Applied when a stress fracture of the right radius is diagnosed, requiring immobilization with a short arm splint.
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
29075for 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 finger fractures or injuries. Related as a more localized splinting procedure.
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29105- Application of long arm splint (shoulder to hand); static- Used for injuries requiring immobilization from shoulder to hand. Alternative to
29075for more extensive fractures.
- Used for injuries requiring immobilization from shoulder to hand. Alternative to
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99213- Established patient office or other outpatient visit, typically 15 minutes- Commonly billed in conjunction with splint application for evaluation and management of the patient during the visit.
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Common Workflow:
99213is often used with29075for the office visit.29125,29130, and29105are alternatives depending on injury location and required immobilization.
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
For CPT code 29075, the national mean rate for Medicare is $100.88, while the BUCA (average commercial) mean rate is higher at $107.24. Commercial payers such as Cigna and UnitedHealth Group show even higher mean rates, at $135.54 and $137.64 respectively, compared to both Medicare and BUCA.
Rate dispersion, measured by the difference between the 75th and 25th percentiles, varies significantly across payers. Medicare exhibits the tightest range, with only an $11.00 difference between its 75th and 25th percentiles. In contrast, Cigna and UnitedHealth Group have the widest dispersions, with differences of $79.00 and $78.83 respectively, indicating greater variability in commercial reimbursement rates.
The table and chart below present a detailed 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.