How To Use CPT Code 24430

CPT code 24430 describes the repair of nonunion or malunion deformity in the humerus without the use of grafts. 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 24430?

CPT 24430 is used to describe the repair of nonunion or malunion deformity in the humerus without the use of grafts. This code is used when the provider cuts the undeveloped or improperly grown bone and fixes it by pulling together the ends. The procedure aims to achieve proper union and alignment of the bone.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24430 is: ‘Repair of nonunion or malunion, humerus without graft (eg, compression technique).’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision over the humeral shaft and exposes the area of nonunion or malunion.
3. The irregular bony area is excised using a cutting instrument.
4. The provider pulls both bone ends together and fixes them in place with screws and plates.
5. The operative site is irrigated and sutured, and a splint is placed for immobilization of the arm.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24430 is performed on patients with nonunion or malunion deformity in the humerus. Nonunion refers to the lack of bone union after a fracture, while malunion refers to incomplete or faulty union of a bone after a fracture. The procedure is performed without the use of grafts, using techniques such as compression to achieve bone union.

5. When to use CPT code 24430

CPT code 24430 should be used when the provider performs a repair of nonunion or malunion deformity in the humerus without the use of grafts. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24430, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of nonunion or malunion deformity in the humerus
• Description of the procedure performed, including the specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical approach and any instruments used
• Fixation method employed, such as screws and plates
• Any additional procedures performed during the same operative session
• Postoperative care instructions and any complications encountered
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24430, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document and code the procedure to avoid claim denials or audits. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 24430 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24430 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a nonunion deformity in the humerus undergoes a repair procedure without the use of grafts.
2. A provider performs a repair of malunion deformity in the humerus using compression techniques.
3. A patient with a nonunion deformity in the humerus undergoes a revision procedure to achieve proper bone union.
4. A provider performs a repair of malunion deformity in the humerus using screws and plates for fixation.
5. A patient with a nonunion deformity in the humerus undergoes a revision procedure to correct alignment and achieve bone union.
6. A provider performs a repair of malunion deformity in the humerus using compression techniques and internal fixation.
7. A patient with a nonunion deformity in the humerus undergoes a revision procedure with the use of bone graft substitute.
8. A provider performs a repair of malunion deformity in the humerus using bone graft and external fixation.
9. A patient with a nonunion deformity in the humerus undergoes a revision procedure with the use of bone graft and internal fixation.
10. A provider performs a repair of malunion deformity in the humerus using bone graft and internal fixation.