How To Use CPT Code 24345

CPT code 24345 describes the repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow using local 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 24345?

CPT 24345 is used to describe the repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow using local tissue. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to address damage or injury to the MCL and restore stability to the elbow joint.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24345 is: ‘Repair medial collateral ligament, elbow, with local tissue.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision over the medial aspect of the elbow, taking care to protect the ulnar nerve. The provider then examines the elbow joint to identify the avulsed ligament. Holes are drilled in the medial epicondyle, and stitches are placed through the MCL and into the holes. If necessary, the provider may use an end-to-end or overlapping technique to repair the ligament. The wound is thoroughly irrigated, and the surgical opening is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24345 is performed when there is damage or injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow that requires repair. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who have experienced trauma or repetitive stress to the elbow joint, resulting in MCL instability. The healthcare provider must use local tissue to perform the repair.

5. When to use CPT code 24345

CPT code 24345 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow using local tissue. This code is appropriate for cases where the MCL requires surgical intervention to restore stability to the elbow joint.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24345, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the need for MCL repair
• Description of the procedure performed, including the use of local tissue
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used, such as drilling holes and placing stitches
• Any additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Post-operative instructions and follow-up plans
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24345, ensure that the procedure performed is a repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow using local tissue. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines set forth by the payer. Modifier 50 should be attached if the provider performs the MCL repair on both elbows.

8. Historical information

CPT 24345 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 24345

There are several similar codes to CPT 24345 that describe procedures involving the repair, revision, and/or reconstruction of the humerus (upper arm) and elbow. These codes include:

• CPT 24346: Repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow with autograft or allograft
• CPT 24350: Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow with local tissue
• CPT 24356: Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow with autograft or allograft
• CPT 24357: Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow with prosthetic material
• CPT 24358: Revision of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow

9. Examples

1. A patient sustains a sports-related injury to their elbow, resulting in a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL). The healthcare provider performs a repair of the MCL using local tissue.
2. An individual is involved in a car accident and fractures their elbow, causing damage to the medial collateral ligament (MCL). The healthcare provider performs a repair of the MCL using local tissue.
3. A patient with chronic elbow instability undergoes a surgical procedure to repair the medial collateral ligament (MCL) using local tissue.
4. An individual develops a repetitive strain injury in their elbow, leading to a tear in the medial collateral ligament (MCL). The healthcare provider performs a repair of the MCL using local tissue.
5. A professional athlete experiences a partial tear in their medial collateral ligament (MCL) during a game. The healthcare provider performs a repair of the MCL using local tissue to ensure a quick and safe return to sports.
6. A patient with a history of elbow dislocations undergoes a surgical procedure to repair the medial collateral ligament (MCL) using local tissue.
7. An individual falls and lands on their outstretched arm, resulting in a complete tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in their elbow. The healthcare provider performs a repair of the MCL using local tissue.
8. A patient with a chronic elbow instability undergoes a revision procedure to repair the previously reconstructed medial collateral ligament (MCL) using local tissue.
9. An individual sustains a workplace injury that causes damage to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of their elbow. The healthcare provider performs a repair of the MCL using local tissue.
10. A patient with a history of elbow trauma develops chronic pain and instability due to a damaged medial collateral ligament (MCL). The healthcare provider performs a repair of the MCL using local tissue to alleviate symptoms and improve joint stability.