How To Use CPT Code 24344

CPT code 24344 describes the reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament in the elbow using a tendon graft. 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 24344?

CPT 24344 is used to describe the surgical procedure in which the provider repairs the damaged lateral collateral ligament in the elbow using a tendon graft. This code includes the harvesting of the graft, so it should not be reported separately.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24344 is: ‘Reconstruction lateral collateral ligament, elbow, with tendon graft (includes harvesting of graft).’ This procedure helps in reestablishing stability of the dislocated elbow joint due to injury.

3. Procedure

During the procedure, the provider makes a lateral incision on the elbow down to the level of the damaged ligament. The damaged portion of the ligament that is not repairable is trimmed down. The provider then uses a previously obtained tendon graft, typically from the wrist, preferably the palmaris longus, to repair the damaged site. The graft is used to reestablish stability in the dislocated elbow joint. The procedure includes the harvesting of the graft, so it should not be reported separately. At the end of the surgery, the operative site is irrigated and sutured, and a splint is placed for the immobilization of the joint.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24344 is performed on patients who have a damaged lateral collateral ligament in the elbow that requires reconstruction. The lateral collateral ligament is a soft tissue structure that connects the lower end of the humerus to the upper end of the ulna on the outer side of the elbow. This procedure is typically performed when the elbow joint has been dislocated due to injury.

5. When to use CPT code 24344

CPT code 24344 should be used when the provider performs a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament in the elbow using a tendon graft. This code should not be used for any other procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24344, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for lateral collateral ligament reconstruction
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, trimming of the damaged ligament, and use of the tendon graft
• Date of the surgery
• Operative time
• Details of any additional procedures performed during the surgery, such as irrigation and suturing of the operative site
• Placement of a splint for joint immobilization
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24344, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for lateral collateral ligament reconstruction in the elbow using a tendon graft. This code should not be reported separately for the harvesting of the graft, as it is included in the procedure. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 24344 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 24344 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 24344

Five similar codes to CPT 24344 include:

• CPT 24345: Reconstruction lateral collateral ligament, elbow, with allograft
• CPT 24346: Reconstruction lateral collateral ligament, elbow, with autograft
• CPT 24357: Reconstruction medial collateral ligament, elbow, with tendon graft (includes harvesting of graft)
• CPT 24358: Reconstruction medial collateral ligament, elbow, with allograft
• CPT 24359: Reconstruction medial collateral ligament, elbow, with autograft

9. Examples

1. A patient with a dislocated elbow due to injury undergoes a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.
2. A professional athlete sustains a severe elbow injury and requires a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.
3. A patient with chronic instability in the elbow joint undergoes a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.
4. An individual involved in a motor vehicle accident experiences a dislocated elbow and requires a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.
5. A patient with a history of recurrent elbow dislocations undergoes a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.
6. A construction worker sustains a traumatic injury to the elbow and requires a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.
7. An elderly patient with osteoarthritis in the elbow joint undergoes a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.
8. A recreational athlete injures their elbow during a sports activity and requires a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.
9. A patient with a congenital ligament abnormality in the elbow undergoes a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.
10. An individual involved in a fall sustains a dislocated elbow and requires a reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament using a tendon graft.