How To Use CPT Code 24138

CPT 24138 describes the procedure known as sequestrectomy, specifically for the olecranon process of the elbow. 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 24138?

CPT 24138 is a code used to describe the surgical procedure known as sequestrectomy. This procedure involves the removal of necrotic bone from the olecranon process of the elbow. The purpose of the sequestrectomy is to limit the spread of infection and promote healing in the affected area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24138 is: ‘Sequestrectomy (eg, for osteomyelitis or bone abscess), olecranon process.’

3. Procedure

During a sequestrectomy procedure, the healthcare provider begins by making an incision over the infected portion of the bone on the olecranon process of the elbow joint. This allows access to the necrotic area. The provider then removes the necrotic bone, ensuring that all infected tissue is thoroughly excised. The remaining empty space is filled with surrounding tissue. The area is irrigated with an antibiotic solution to prevent further infection. The provider ensures control of bleeding and sutures the wound in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24138 is used for patients who require sequestrectomy for conditions such as osteomyelitis or bone abscess specifically in the olecranon process of the elbow. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary expertise in performing sequestrectomies.

5. When to use CPT code 24138

CPT code 24138 should be used when a sequestrectomy procedure is performed on the olecranon process of the elbow to treat osteomyelitis or a bone abscess. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed specifically on the olecranon process and not on other areas of the humerus or radial head.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24138, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of osteomyelitis or bone abscess
• Specific location of the procedure (olecranon process of the elbow)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, removal of necrotic bone, irrigation, and wound closure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24138, ensure that the procedure is performed specifically on the olecranon process of the elbow. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and use the correct modifiers if necessary. It is also important to review any specific billing requirements from insurance providers or payers.

8. Historical information

CPT 24138 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 24138

There are similar codes to CPT 24138 that describe sequestrectomy procedures for different areas of the humerus and elbow. These include:

• CPT 24135: Sequestrectomy, eg, for osteomyelitis or bone abscess, shaft or distal humerus
• CPT 24136: Sequestrectomy, eg, for osteomyelitis or bone abscess, radial head or neck

9. Examples

1. A patient with osteomyelitis in the olecranon process of the elbow undergoes a sequestrectomy procedure to remove the necrotic bone and promote healing.
2. A bone abscess is identified in the olecranon process of the elbow, and the patient undergoes a sequestrectomy to remove the infected tissue and prevent further complications.
3. A patient with a history of osteomyelitis in the olecranon process of the elbow requires a sequestrectomy procedure to address recurrent infection and promote healing.
4. A sequestrectomy is performed on the olecranon process of the elbow to treat a chronic bone abscess that has not responded to conservative treatment.
5. A patient with a traumatic injury to the olecranon process of the elbow develops osteomyelitis and requires a sequestrectomy procedure to remove the infected bone.
6. A sequestrectomy is performed on the olecranon process of the elbow to address a chronic infection that has not resolved with antibiotic therapy alone.
7. A patient with a bone abscess in the olecranon process of the elbow undergoes a sequestrectomy procedure to remove the infected tissue and promote healing.
8. A sequestrectomy is performed on the olecranon process of the elbow to address osteomyelitis resulting from a previous surgical procedure in the area.
9. A patient with a history of recurrent bone abscesses in the olecranon process of the elbow requires a sequestrectomy procedure to prevent further complications and promote healing.
10. A sequestrectomy is performed on the olecranon process of the elbow to address chronic osteomyelitis that has not responded to conservative treatment.