How To Use CPT Code 24371

CPT code 24371 describes the revision of a total elbow arthroplasty, including the use of allograft material, if necessary. 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 24371?

CPT 24371 is used to describe the revision of a total elbow arthroplasty procedure. This code is used when both components of the artificial joint, the humerus in the upper arm and the ulna in the lower arm, need to be replaced due to failure. The procedure may also involve the use of allograft material, which is donor bone graft material.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24371 is: ‘Revision of total elbow arthroplasty, including allograft when performed humeral and ulnar component.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 24371 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. An incision is made over the previous incision.
3. The provider dissects down through the subcutaneous tissue just under the skin and moves the tendons and ligaments out of the way, taking care to avoid damage to nerves and blood vessels.
4. The joint capsule is incised to expose the joint and any scar tissue is removed.
5. The old cement is removed and the failed components are examined for defects.
6. The lower end of the humerus and the upper end of the ulna are smoothed using a rasp for good prosthetic fit.
7. If necessary, allograft material may be used to augment the bones.
8. Fresh cement is applied, the elbow is flexed, and the replacement components are inserted.
9. The tissues over the joint are closed and a drain may be inserted.
10. The area is irrigated, checked for bleeding, any instruments are removed, and the incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24371 is performed when both components of the artificial joint in a total elbow arthroplasty need to be revised due to failure. The use of allograft material may be necessary to augment the bones. This procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in orthopedic surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 24371

CPT code 24371 should be used when a revision of a total elbow arthroplasty is performed, involving the replacement of both the humeral and ulnar components. This code should not be reported if a prosthesis is being removed and replaced in the same elbow during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24371, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for revision of the total elbow arthroplasty
• Details of the procedure, including the use of allograft material, if applicable
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24371, ensure that the procedure involves the revision of both the humeral and ulnar components of the total elbow arthroplasty. If a prosthesis is being removed and replaced in the same elbow, do not report CPT 24371. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and use the appropriate modifiers, if necessary, to indicate any additional procedures or circumstances.

8. Historical information

CPT 24371 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 24371

Five similar codes to CPT 24371 include:

• CPT 24300: Repair, revision, and/or reconstruction procedures on the humerus (upper arm) and elbow
• CPT 24305: Revision of total elbow arthroplasty; with exchange of humeral and ulnar components
• CPT 24310: Revision of total elbow arthroplasty; with exchange of humeral component only
• CPT 24340: Revision of total elbow arthroplasty; with exchange of ulnar component only
• CPT 24341: Revision of total elbow arthroplasty; with exchange of radial head and ulnar component

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a revision of a total elbow arthroplasty due to failure of both the humeral and ulnar components. Allograft material is used to augment the bones.
2. A provider performs a revision of a total elbow arthroplasty, replacing both the humeral and ulnar components, for a patient with recurrent dislocations.
3. A patient with an infected total elbow arthroplasty undergoes a revision procedure, involving the removal and replacement of both the humeral and ulnar components.
4. A provider performs a revision of a total elbow arthroplasty, replacing both the humeral and ulnar components, for a patient with severe pain and limited range of motion.
5. A patient with a loose total elbow arthroplasty undergoes a revision procedure, involving the removal and replacement of both the humeral and ulnar components.
6. A provider performs a revision of a total elbow arthroplasty, replacing both the humeral and ulnar components, for a patient with implant failure.
7. A patient with a failed total elbow arthroplasty undergoes a revision procedure, involving the removal and replacement of both the humeral and ulnar components.
8. A provider performs a revision of a total elbow arthroplasty, replacing both the humeral and ulnar components, for a patient with recurrent infections.
9. A patient with a malaligned total elbow arthroplasty undergoes a revision procedure, involving the removal and replacement of both the humeral and ulnar components.