How To Use CPT Code 24120

CPT code 24120 describes the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor of the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process. 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 24120?

CPT 24120 is used to describe the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or noncancerous tumor located in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process. This procedure involves the removal of the growth from the bone, often including a small rim of healthy margin surrounding the tumor.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24120 is: ‘Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of head or neck of radius or olecranon process.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure for CPT 24120, the healthcare provider begins by making an incision over the tumor or cyst in the radius bone. They then dissect through the underlying muscle and tissue to expose the bone or the elbow joint and locate the lesion. Using surgical tools such as a curette or osteotome, the provider carefully removes the growth from the bone, ensuring to excise a small rim of healthy margin along with the tumor. The wound is then irrigated and closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24120 is performed on patients who have a bone cyst or noncancerous tumor in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process. The procedure is typically indicated when the growth causes symptoms or poses a risk to the patient’s health. The healthcare provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for excision or curettage. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to benign tumors and cysts, not malignant or cancerous growths.

5. When to use CPT code 24120

CPT code 24120 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed on the specified anatomical location and that the growth is noncancerous. If the tumor is malignant, a different CPT code should be used to accurately reflect the procedure performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24120, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a bone cyst or benign tumor
• Specific location of the growth (head or neck of the radius or olecranon process)
• Description of the procedure performed (excision or curettage)
• Details of the surgical approach and techniques used
• Extent of the excision, including any healthy margin removed
• Documentation of wound irrigation and closure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24120, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. The excision or curettage must be specifically for a bone cyst or benign tumor in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process. It is also crucial to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. It is recommended to review the documentation requirements and ensure accurate and complete documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 24120 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 24120

There are several similar codes to CPT 24120 that describe excision procedures on the humerus (upper arm) and elbow. Some of these codes include:

• CPT 24065: Excision of bone tumor or cyst, humerus
• CPT 24066: Excision of bone tumor or cyst, humerus; with autograft (includes obtaining graft)
• CPT 24075: Excision of bone tumor or cyst, humerus; with allograft (includes obtaining graft)
• CPT 24125: Excision of bone tumor or cyst, radius or ulna
• CPT 24126: Excision of bone tumor or cyst, radius or ulna; with autograft (includes obtaining graft)

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a bone cyst in the head of the radius. The healthcare provider performs an excision of the cyst using CPT code 24120.
2. A noncancerous tumor is identified in the neck of the olecranon process. The healthcare provider performs a curettage of the tumor using CPT code 24120.
3. A patient is diagnosed with a benign bone cyst in the head of the radius. The healthcare provider performs an excision of the cyst, ensuring to remove a small rim of healthy margin, using CPT code 24120.
4. A noncancerous tumor is found in the neck of the olecranon process. The healthcare provider performs a curettage of the tumor, ensuring complete removal, using CPT code 24120.
5. A bone cyst is identified in the head of the radius. The healthcare provider performs an excision of the cyst, documenting the extent of the excision and closure technique, using CPT code 24120.
6. A benign tumor is located in the neck of the olecranon process. The healthcare provider performs a curettage of the tumor, documenting the surgical approach and techniques used, using CPT code 24120.
7. A patient presents with a bone cyst in the head of the radius. The healthcare provider performs an excision of the cyst, ensuring proper irrigation and closure, using CPT code 24120.
8. A noncancerous tumor is identified in the neck of the olecranon process. The healthcare provider performs a curettage of the tumor, documenting the location and size of the growth, using CPT code 24120.
9. A benign bone cyst is found in the head of the radius. The healthcare provider performs an excision of the cyst, ensuring accurate documentation of the procedure, using CPT code 24120.