How To Use CPT Code 24200

CPT code 24200 describes the procedure for the removal of a foreign body in the upper arm or elbow area subcutaneous tissue. 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 24200?

CPT 24200 is used to describe the removal of a foreign body from the subcutaneous tissue in the upper arm or elbow area. The procedure involves making an incision into the skin and removing the foreign body down to the level of the fascia. The provider may also irrigate the site with antibiotics and repair it with sutures or leave it open, depending on the specific case.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24200 is: ‘Removal of foreign body, upper arm or elbow area subcutaneous.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision over the upper arm or elbow area into the subcutaneous layer of the skin.
3. The foreign body is identified and removed down to the level of the fascia.
4. The provider may irrigate the site with antibiotics to prevent infection.
5. The site is repaired with simple sutures or left open, depending on the case.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24200 is performed when there is a foreign body present in the subcutaneous tissue of the upper arm or elbow area. The procedure is typically done to remove objects that have become embedded in the skin, such as splinters, glass shards, or metal fragments. The patient must have a documented need for the removal of the foreign body, and the procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 24200

CPT code 24200 should be used when a foreign body is present in the subcutaneous tissue of the upper arm or elbow area and requires removal. It is important to document the need for the procedure and ensure that the provider is appropriately trained and qualified to perform the removal.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24200, the following documentation is required:

• Documentation of the foreign body present in the subcutaneous tissue
• Description of the procedure performed, including the incision, removal of the foreign body, and any additional steps taken
• Documentation of any irrigation or repair performed
• Date and time of the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24200, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for the code. It is important to accurately document the removal of the foreign body and any additional steps taken during the procedure. CPT code 24200 should not be reported with other codes unless there are separate and distinct procedures performed. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24200 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. Examples

1. A patient presents with a deep splinter in their upper arm subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and repairs the site with sutures.
2. A patient has a metal fragment embedded in their elbow subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and irrigates the site with antibiotics.
3. A patient has a glass shard lodged in their upper arm subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and leaves the site open for further drainage.
4. A patient presents with a deep splinter in their elbow subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and repairs the site with sutures.
5. A patient has a metal fragment embedded in their upper arm subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and irrigates the site with antibiotics.
6. A patient has a glass shard lodged in their elbow subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and leaves the site open for further drainage.
7. A patient presents with a deep splinter in their upper arm subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and repairs the site with sutures.
8. A patient has a metal fragment embedded in their elbow subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and irrigates the site with antibiotics.
9. A patient has a glass shard lodged in their upper arm subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and leaves the site open for further drainage.
10. A patient presents with a deep splinter in their elbow subcutaneous tissue. The provider performs CPT 24200 to remove the foreign body and repairs the site with sutures.