How To Use CPT Code 24420

CPT code 24420 describes a surgical procedure known as osteoplasty, specifically for the humerus bone. 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 24420?

CPT 24420 is a code used to describe the surgical procedure of osteoplasty on the humerus bone. During this procedure, a section of the humerus bone shaft is removed to correct the length of the bone. Osteoplasty refers to the surgical repair or alteration of bone, and in this case, it involves the humerus bone.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24420 is: ‘Osteoplasty, humerus (eg, shortening or lengthening) (excluding 64876).’ This code specifically refers to the surgical procedure performed on the humerus bone to either shorten or lengthen it. It is important to note that code 64876 is excluded from this procedure.

3. Procedure

During the osteoplasty procedure on the humerus bone, the healthcare provider begins by making an incision over the humeral shaft. This incision is extended down to the level of the bone. The provider takes care to retract the nerves and blood vessels to prevent any damage.

Next, the provider performs a wedge resection, which involves cutting a section of the bone in a wedge shape. If the goal is to shorten the bone, the provider reduces the angle of the horizontal V-shape formed after the wedge osteotomy. The ends of the bone are then fixed together using plates and screws.

If lengthening is required, the provider retracts both ends of the osteotomy and fixes them at the appropriate extended distance using screws and plates. Once the desired correction is achieved, the provider irrigates and sutures the operative site. In some cases, a drain may be placed if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 24420 is used for patients who require osteoplasty on the humerus bone to correct its length. This procedure is typically performed on patients with specific conditions or injuries that affect the humerus bone. It is important to note that code 64876 is excluded from this procedure, indicating that it should not be used for nerve shortening procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 24420

CPT code 24420 should be used when a healthcare provider performs osteoplasty on the humerus bone to either shorten or lengthen it. This code is specific to the humerus bone and should not be used for other bones or procedures. It is important to review the documentation and ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description provided by CPT code 24420.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 24420, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for osteoplasty on the humerus bone
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific technique used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or services performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 24420, ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description provided. It is important to review the documentation and accurately report the details of the procedure. Additionally, it is crucial to note that code 64876 is excluded from this procedure and should not be reported together with CPT code 24420.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24420 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 24420

While there are no similar codes specifically related to CPT code 24420, it is important to review other codes within the range of Repair, Revision, and/or Reconstruction Procedures on the Humerus (Upper Arm) and Elbow (24300-24498) to ensure accurate coding and billing.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes osteoplasty on the humerus bone to correct a congenital length discrepancy.
2. A patient with a traumatic injury to the humerus bone requires osteoplasty to restore proper bone length.
3. A patient with a previous surgical procedure on the humerus bone experiences complications, necessitating osteoplasty to correct the bone length.
4. A patient with a bone tumor in the humerus bone undergoes osteoplasty as part of their treatment plan.
5. A patient with a nonunion fracture of the humerus bone requires osteoplasty to promote bone healing and restore proper length.
6. A patient with a deformity of the humerus bone undergoes osteoplasty to improve their functional and aesthetic outcomes.
7. A patient with a bone infection in the humerus bone requires osteoplasty to remove infected bone and restore proper length.
8. A patient with a bone cyst in the humerus bone undergoes osteoplasty to address the cyst and correct bone length.
9. A patient with a bone malunion in the humerus bone requires osteoplasty to correct the alignment and restore proper length.
10. A patient with a humerus bone fracture that did not heal properly undergoes osteoplasty to correct the bone length and promote healing.