How To Use CPT Code 24147

CPT code 24147 describes the partial excision of the olecranon process, which is the curved bony eminence at 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 24147?

CPT 24147 is a code used to describe the partial excision of the olecranon process, which is the bony prominence at the elbow. This procedure involves removing the infected part of the olecranon process by partially scraping out the area to free it from infection.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24147 is: ‘Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) bone (eg, osteomyelitis), olecranon process.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision over the infected portion of the olecranon process. They then dissect the muscle and surrounding tissue away from the infected area to expose the bone. The provider scrapes out the infected portion, creating a depression, and removes any debris and fibrous tissues. Afterward, the site is flushed with sterile saline, hemostasis is ensured, and the wound is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24147 is used when there is an infection in the olecranon process, which is the curved bony eminence at the elbow. The procedure is performed to remove the infected part of the bone and promote healing. It is important to note that there are other codes available for similar procedures on different anatomical locations, so it is crucial to double-check the documentation to ensure accurate coding.

5. When to use CPT code 24147

CPT code 24147 should be used when a partial excision of the olecranon process is performed to treat an infection, such as osteomyelitis. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the need for this specific procedure and that it is performed on the olecranon process.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24147, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis, indicating the presence of an infection in the olecranon process
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific technique used (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy)
• Date of the procedure
• Incision site and size
• Extent of the excision
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24147, ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and provide any necessary supporting documentation. Additionally, it is crucial to double-check the documentation to confirm the excision site, as there are similar codes for different anatomical locations.

8. Historical information

CPT 24147 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 24147

There are several similar codes to CPT 24147 that describe excision procedures on the humerus (upper arm) and elbow. Some of these codes include:

• CPT 24145: Partial excision, craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy, bone, eg, osteomyelitis, radial head or neck
• CPT 24146: Partial excision, craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy, bone, eg, osteomyelitis, ulnar head or neck
• CPT 24148: Partial excision, craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy, bone, eg, osteomyelitis, humeral condyle
• CPT 24149: Partial excision, craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy, bone, eg, osteomyelitis, humeral epicondyle
• CPT 24150: Partial excision, craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy, bone, eg, osteomyelitis, humeral shaft or supracondylar

9. Examples

1. A patient with osteomyelitis in the olecranon process undergoes a partial excision (24147) to remove the infected bone.
2. A provider performs a saucerization (24147) of the olecranon process to treat an infection in a patient with osteomyelitis.
3. During a procedure, the healthcare provider performs a diaphysectomy (24147) on the olecranon process to remove infected bone tissue.
4. A patient with an infection in the olecranon process undergoes a partial excision (24147) to remove the infected portion of the bone.
5. A provider performs a craterization (24147) of the olecranon process to treat an infection in a patient with osteomyelitis.
6. During a procedure, the healthcare provider performs a saucerization (24147) on the olecranon process to remove infected bone tissue.
7. A patient with an infection in the olecranon process undergoes a partial excision (24147) to remove the infected bone.
8. A provider performs a diaphysectomy (24147) of the olecranon process to treat an infection in a patient with osteomyelitis.
9. During a procedure, the healthcare provider performs a craterization (24147) on the olecranon process to remove infected bone tissue.
10. A patient with an infection in the olecranon process undergoes a partial excision (24147) to remove the infected portion of the bone.