How To Use CPT Code 24105

CPT 24105 describes the excision of the olecranon bursa, a fluid-filled sac that prevents joints, muscles, and tendons from rubbing together. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 24105?

CPT 24105 is used to describe the excision of the olecranon bursa, which is performed to treat conditions such as bursitis. This procedure is typically performed when other conservative treatments have failed to alleviate the patient’s symptoms.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24105 is: ‘Excision, olecranon bursa.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision in the patient’s elbow to access the olecranon bursa, which is located on the posterior edge of the ulna.
3. The provider carefully removes the bursa without the need for incision into the elbow joint itself.
4. The surrounding area is checked for any signs of infection.
5. The cavity is irrigated to ensure cleanliness.
6. The wound is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24105 is performed on patients who have conditions such as bursitis, which is inflammation within the bursa. The excision of the olecranon bursa is typically considered after other conservative treatments have been unsuccessful. This procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 24105

CPT code 24105 should be used when the provider performs the excision of the olecranon bursa. It is important to ensure that other conservative treatments have been attempted before resorting to this procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24105, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the excision of the olecranon bursa
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, removal of the bursa, and wound closure
• Any findings during the procedure, such as signs of infection
• Documentation of irrigation of the cavity
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24105, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 24105 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 24105 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with bursitis in their elbow undergoes excision of the olecranon bursa to alleviate their symptoms.
2. A provider performs the excision of the olecranon bursa on a patient who has failed to respond to conservative treatments for their bursitis.
3. A patient with chronic bursitis in their elbow undergoes the excision of the olecranon bursa to improve their quality of life.
4. A provider performs the excision of the olecranon bursa on a patient who experiences severe pain and limited mobility due to their bursitis.
5. A patient with recurrent bursitis in their elbow undergoes the excision of the olecranon bursa to prevent further episodes of inflammation.
6. A provider performs the excision of the olecranon bursa on a patient who has developed an infection within the bursa.
7. A patient with a large, symptomatic olecranon bursa undergoes excision to relieve their discomfort.
8. A provider performs the excision of the olecranon bursa on a patient who has failed to respond to non-surgical treatments for their bursitis.
9. A patient with chronic bursitis in their elbow undergoes the excision of the olecranon bursa to improve their range of motion.
10. A provider performs the excision of the olecranon bursa on a patient who experiences recurrent swelling and pain in their elbow.