How To Use CPT Code 24145
CPT code 24145 describes the partial excision of the radial head or neck, which involves the removal of the infected part of the bone using a scraping technique. 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 24145?
CPT 24145 is a code used to describe the partial excision of the radial head or neck. This procedure involves the removal of the infected portion of the bone by scraping it out, creating a depression in the bone. It is typically performed to treat conditions such as osteomyelitis, which is an infection in the bone.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 24145 is: ‘Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) bone (eg, osteomyelitis), radial head or neck.’
3. Procedure
During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision over the infected portion of the radial head or neck. The muscle and surrounding tissue are dissected away to expose the bone. The provider then scrapes out the infected portion, creating a depression in the bone. Any debris and fibrous tissues are removed, and the site is flushed with sterile saline. Hemostasis is ensured, and the wound is closed in layers.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT 24145 is performed on patients who have an infection in the radial head or neck, such as osteomyelitis. The procedure is typically done when other treatment options have failed, and the infection cannot be effectively managed with antibiotics alone. The patient must have a documented diagnosis of the condition, and the procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare provider.
5. When to use CPT code 24145
CPT code 24145 should be used when a partial excision of the radial head or neck is performed to treat an infection, such as osteomyelitis. It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly supports the need for the procedure and that it is performed on the appropriate anatomical location.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT 24145, the healthcare provider must document the following information:
- Patient’s diagnosis of the condition requiring the procedure
- Details of the procedure performed, including the specific technique used (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy)
- Date of the procedure
- Start and end time of the procedure
- Any complications or additional procedures performed
- Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT 24145, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The healthcare provider should use the appropriate modifier if necessary and follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer. It is also important to accurately report the diagnosis code that supports the medical necessity of the procedure.
8. Historical information
CPT code 24145 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 24145
There are several similar codes to CPT 24145 that describe excision procedures on the humerus and elbow. Some examples include:
- CPT 24147: Partial excision, craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy, bone, eg, osteomyelitis, olecranon process
- CPT 24148: Partial excision, craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy, bone, eg, osteomyelitis, radial shaft or ulnar shaft
- CPT 24149: Partial excision, craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy, bone, eg, osteomyelitis, ulnar head or neck
9. Examples
- A patient with osteomyelitis of the radial head undergoes a partial excision (24145) to remove the infected portion of the bone.
- A provider performs a saucerization (24147) of the olecranon process to treat osteomyelitis in a patient.
- Partial excision (24148) of the radial shaft is performed on a patient with osteomyelitis to remove the infected portion of the bone.
- A patient with osteomyelitis of the ulnar head undergoes a diaphysectomy (24149) to remove the infected portion of the bone.
