How To Use CPT Code 24125

CPT code 24125 describes the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor of the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process with autograft. 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 24125?

CPT 24125 is used to describe the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor located in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process. During this procedure, the provider removes the growth from the bone and fills the resulting defect with an autograft, which is tissue harvested from another location in the patient’s own body.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24125 is: ‘Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of head or neck of radius or olecranon process with autograft (includes obtaining graft).’

3. Procedure

When performing CPT 24125, the provider begins by making an incision over the tumor or cyst in the radius bone or olecranon process. They then dissect through the underlying muscle and tissue to expose the bone or 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. To fill the resulting defect, the provider harvests an autograft from another part of the patient’s body and places it in the space. The wound is then irrigated and closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24125 is appropriate for patients who have a bone cyst or benign tumor in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider who is skilled in excision or curettage techniques. The use of an autograft is necessary to fill the defect created by the removal of the growth.

5. When to use CPT code 24125

CPT code 24125 should be used when a provider performs the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process and fills the defect with an autograft. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24125, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a bone cyst or benign tumor
• Description of the specific location of the growth (head or neck of the radius or olecranon process)
• Details of the excision or curettage procedure performed
• Documentation of obtaining the autograft
• Information on the closure of the wound

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24125, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the excision or curettage procedure, as well as the use of an autograft. Pay attention to any additional guidelines or notes provided by the payer or coding guidelines to ensure proper billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 24125 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 24125

There are several similar codes to CPT 24125 that describe excision procedures on the humerus (upper arm) and elbow. Some examples include:

• CPT 24065: Excision of bone tumor or cyst, humerus
• CPT 24115: Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of proximal humerus
• CPT 24130: Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of distal humerus
• CPT 24135: Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of humeral condyle
• CPT 24150: Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of humeral epicondyle

9. Examples

1. A provider performs the excision of a bone cyst located in the head of the radius and fills the defect with an autograft.
2. A patient presents with a benign tumor in the neck of the olecranon process, and the provider performs a curettage procedure, followed by the placement of an autograft.
3. A provider excises a bone cyst in the head of the radius and uses an autograft to fill the resulting defect.
4. A patient undergoes the excision of a benign tumor in the neck of the olecranon process, and the provider harvests an autograft to fill the defect.
5. A provider performs the curettage of a bone cyst in the head of the radius and utilizes an autograft for reconstruction.
6. A patient requires the excision of a benign tumor in the neck of the olecranon process, and the provider performs the procedure, followed by the placement of an autograft.
7. A provider removes a bone cyst located in the head of the radius and fills the defect with an autograft.
8. A patient undergoes the excision of a benign tumor in the neck of the olecranon process, and the provider utilizes an autograft for reconstruction.
9. A provider performs the curettage of a bone cyst in the head of the radius and uses an autograft to fill the resulting defect.
10. A patient requires the excision of a benign tumor in the neck of the olecranon process, and the provider harvests an autograft to fill the defect.