How To Use CPT Code 24305

CPT code 24305 describes a surgical procedure in which a healthcare provider increases the length of a tendon in the upper arm or elbow to release a contracture. 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 24305?

CPT 24305 is used to describe a surgical procedure in which a healthcare provider surgically increases the length of a tendon in the upper arm or elbow. This procedure is performed to release a contracture, which is a permanent tightening of nonbony tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. By lengthening the tendon, the provider aims to restore normal range of motion and function to the affected joint.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24305 is: ‘Tendon lengthening, upper arm or elbow, each tendon.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure, the healthcare provider begins by making an incision over the anterior side of the elbow or upper arm area. The incision is made down to the level of the tendon, taking care to avoid damage to blood vessels and nerve tissues. The provider then retracts these structures to the sides to ensure their safety.

Once the tendon is exposed, the provider makes an elongated Z-shaped incision in the tendon. This allows for the stretching of the tendon to increase its length. The provider then sutures both ends of the tendon to secure the lengthened position. If necessary, the provider may also excise a portion of the joint capsule to treat joint contracture, which is inclusive to this procedure.

After completing the tendon lengthening and any additional necessary steps, the provider irrigates and sutures the operative site. A drain may be placed if required.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24305 is performed on patients who have a contracture in the upper arm or elbow that requires surgical intervention. This procedure is typically reserved for cases where non-surgical treatments have been unsuccessful in restoring normal range of motion and function to the affected joint.

5. When to use CPT code 24305

CPT code 24305 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a tendon lengthening procedure on the upper arm or elbow. This code is specific to each tendon, so if the provider performs the procedure on multiple tendons in the same area, the code should be reported multiple times with modifier 59 appended to the additional codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24305, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tendon lengthening
• Specific tendon(s) targeted for lengthening
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, tendon lengthening technique, and any additional steps taken
• Any excision of the joint capsule performed
• Use of a drain, if applicable
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24305, ensure that the procedure involves the lengthening of a tendon in the upper arm or elbow. Modifier 59 should be appended to any additional codes if the provider performs the procedure on multiple tendons in the same area.

It is important to note that CPT code 24305 should not be reported if CPT codes 24300 to 24498 have already been performed in the previous seven days.

8. Historical information

CPT 24305 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 24305

There are several similar codes to CPT 24305 that describe other procedures on the humerus (upper arm) and elbow. These include:

• CPT 24300: Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor, humerus
• CPT 24301: Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor, humerus; with autograft
• CPT 24310: Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor, radius or ulna
• CPT 24320: Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor, radius and ulna
• CPT 24330: Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor, carpal or tarsal bone

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a tendon lengthening procedure on the biceps tendon in the upper arm to release a contracture.
2. A patient with an elbow contracture undergoes a tendon lengthening procedure on the triceps tendon.
3. A healthcare provider performs a tendon lengthening procedure on the brachialis tendon in the upper arm to restore normal range of motion.
4. A patient with limited elbow extension undergoes a tendon lengthening procedure on the anconeus tendon.
5. A healthcare provider performs a tendon lengthening procedure on the pronator teres tendon in the forearm to release a contracture.
6. A patient with restricted forearm supination undergoes a tendon lengthening procedure on the biceps brachii tendon.
7. A healthcare provider performs a tendon lengthening procedure on the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon in the forearm to restore normal function.
8. A patient with limited wrist extension undergoes a tendon lengthening procedure on the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon.
9. A healthcare provider performs a tendon lengthening procedure on the flexor carpi radialis tendon in the forearm to release a contracture.
10. A patient with restricted wrist flexion undergoes a tendon lengthening procedure on the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.