How To Use CPT Code 24357

CPT code 24357 describes a percutaneous tenotomy procedure performed on the elbow, specifically for conditions such as epicondylitis (tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow). This article will provide a comprehensive overview of CPT code 24357, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of when to use CPT code 24357.

1. What is CPT Code 24357?

CPT code 24357 is used to describe a percutaneous tenotomy procedure performed on the elbow. This procedure involves breaking up scar tissue around the affected tendon by puncturing the enthesis multiple times with a needle. The goal of this procedure is to improve vascularization and relieve the contracture of the tendon caused by the scar tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24357 is: ‘Tenotomy, elbow, lateral or medial (e.g., epicondylitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow) percutaneous.’

3. Procedure

During a percutaneous tenotomy procedure (CPT code 24357), the healthcare provider will perform the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider advances a needle through the skin multiple times to make holes in the scar tissue surrounding the affected tendon.
3. This process breaks up the scar tissue and creates minimal trauma to the area.
4. In some cases, the provider may also use a scalpel to section the tendon.
5. The minimal trauma caused by the procedure leads to local inflammation and increased circulation to the area, promoting the repair or healing of the degenerated tendons.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 24357 is typically used for patients with conditions such as epicondylitis (tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow) where scar tissue has formed around the tendon, causing contracture and limited mobility. The procedure is performed percutaneously, meaning it is done through the skin using small incisions or punctures. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to lateral or medial epicondylitis and similar conditions affecting the elbow.

5. When to use CPT code 24357

CPT code 24357 should be used when a percutaneous tenotomy procedure is performed on the elbow to address conditions such as epicondylitis, tennis elbow, or golfer’s elbow. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed percutaneously and specifically targets the lateral or medial epicondyle of the elbow.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 24357, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis, specifying the condition being treated (e.g., epicondylitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
• Details of the procedure performed, including the approach (percutaneous), specific tendon involved, and any additional techniques used (e.g., scalpel sectioning)
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 24357, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. Additionally, it is crucial to follow any applicable payer guidelines and modifiers, if required. It is also important to note that if the provider performs a tenotomy procedure along with debridement of soft tissue and/or bone, an open approach, or tendon repair or reattachment, different codes should be used (e.g., CPT codes 24358 or 24359).

8. Historical information

CPT code 24357 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2008. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT code 24357

While CPT code 24357 is specific to percutaneous tenotomy of the elbow for lateral or medial epicondylitis, there are other codes that may be used for similar procedures or conditions. Some similar codes include:

• CPT code 24358: This code is used for debridement of soft tissue and/or bone, open, when performed along with a tenotomy procedure for epicondylitis.
• CPT code 24359: This code is used for tenotomy procedures that involve tendon repair or reattachment, open, when performed along with a tenotomy procedure for epicondylitis.

9. Examples

Here are some examples of when CPT code 24357 may be used:

1. A patient presents with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and the healthcare provider performs a percutaneous tenotomy procedure to break up scar tissue and relieve contracture.
2. A patient is diagnosed with medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), and the healthcare provider performs a percutaneous tenotomy procedure to address the scar tissue and improve tendon function.
3. A professional tennis player develops lateral epicondylitis and undergoes a percutaneous tenotomy procedure to alleviate symptoms and improve performance.
4. An individual who frequently engages in golfing activities experiences medial epicondylitis and undergoes a percutaneous tenotomy procedure to address the condition and restore elbow function.
5. A patient with chronic elbow pain and limited mobility is diagnosed with epicondylitis and undergoes a percutaneous tenotomy procedure to improve their symptoms and quality of life.