How To Use CPT Code 24359

CPT code 24359 describes a procedure known as tenotomy, specifically for the elbow. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 24359?

CPT code 24359 is used to describe a tenotomy procedure performed on the elbow. This procedure involves the incision of the medial or lateral site of a tenotomy for debridement of the fibrosed tissue to relieve the contracture of the tendon. The provider also reattaches any residual tendons.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24359 is: ‘Tenotomy, elbow, lateral or medial (eg, epicondylitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow) debridement, soft tissue and/or bone, open with tendon repair or reattachment.’

3. Procedure

During the tenotomy procedure, the provider makes a skin incision at the site of the tenotomy to access the tendons at the lateral or medial epicondyle of the elbow. This incision allows for an open tenotomy procedure. The provider then performs debridement of the soft tissue or bone, removing bony tissue and scar tissue to improve movement or stretch of the tendons. This helps relieve the contracture of the tendon. If there are any residual tendons after debridement, the provider reattaches them to the respective epicondyles. The procedure concludes with achieving hemostasis and closing the wound in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 24359 is used for patients with conditions such as epicondylitis (inflammation of the epicondyle), tennis elbow, or golfer’s elbow. These conditions may cause abnormal premature contraction or shortening of a muscle, known as contracture. The procedure is performed by a provider to relieve the contracture of the tendon in the elbow.

5. When to use CPT code 24359

CPT code 24359 should be used when a provider performs a tenotomy procedure on the elbow, specifically for debridement of soft tissue and/or bone, along with tendon repair or reattachment. It is important to note that CPT code 24359 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 29837 and 29838.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 24359, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the tenotomy procedure
• Specific details of the procedure performed, including the site of the tenotomy and the extent of debridement
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of any residual tendons reattached
• Confirmation of achieving hemostasis
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 24359, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for the specific tenotomy performed on the elbow. It is important to note that CPT code 24359 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 29837 and 29838. Additionally, consider the location of the testing, as it may impact how the procedure is coded.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24359 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2008. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 24359

There are several similar codes to CPT code 24359, including:

• CPT 24358: This code is used for a similar procedure as CPT 24359, but for debridement of soft tissue and/or bone without tendon repair or reattachment.

9. Examples

1. A patient with tennis elbow undergoes a tenotomy procedure on the lateral epicondyle of the elbow to relieve the contracture of the tendon.
2. A provider performs a tenotomy procedure on the medial epicondyle of the elbow for a patient with golfer’s elbow, debriding the fibrosed tissue and reattaching any residual tendons.
3. A patient with chronic epicondylitis undergoes a tenotomy procedure on the elbow, involving debridement of soft tissue and bone, along with tendon repair.
4. A provider performs a tenotomy procedure on the elbow of a patient with a contracture of the tendon, relieving the symptoms of the condition.
5. A patient with a history of repetitive movements resulting in epicondylitis undergoes a tenotomy procedure on the elbow to alleviate the inflammation and contracture of the tendon.
6. A provider performs a tenotomy procedure on the elbow of a patient with scar tissue formation, improving their range of motion and relieving the contracture of the tendon.
7. A patient with tennis elbow undergoes an open tenotomy procedure on the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, involving debridement of soft tissue and bone, along with reattachment of any residual tendons.
8. A provider performs a tenotomy procedure on the medial epicondyle of the elbow for a patient with golfer’s elbow, relieving the contracture of the tendon and improving their functional abilities.
9. A patient with chronic epicondylitis undergoes a tenotomy procedure on the elbow, involving debridement of soft tissue and bone, along with repair of the tendon.
10. A provider performs a tenotomy procedure on the elbow of a patient with a contracture of the tendon, providing them with relief from pain and improved mobility.