How To Use CPT Code 24500

CPT 24500 describes the closed treatment of a humeral shaft fracture without manipulation. 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 24500?

CPT 24500 is used to describe the closed treatment of a humeral shaft fracture without manipulation. This means that the provider treats a fracture of the middle portion of the humerus bone in the upper arm without making an incision or manipulating the fracture.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24500 is: ‘Closed treatment of humeral shaft fracture without manipulation.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 24500 involves the following steps:

1. The provider assesses the alignment of the fracture on imaging.
2. If the alignment is satisfactory, the provider places the arm in a cast or brace to hold the fracture in position during the healing process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24500 is used for the treatment of a humeral shaft fracture without manipulation. It is important to note that this code is specifically for closed treatment, meaning that no surgical incision is made. The provider must assess the alignment of the fracture and determine that it is suitable for closed treatment. The code does not include any manipulation of the fracture.

5. When to use CPT code 24500

CPT code 24500 should be used when a provider performs closed treatment of a humeral shaft fracture without manipulation. It is important to ensure that the treatment meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24500, the provider must document the following information:

• The diagnosis of a humeral shaft fracture
• The decision for closed treatment without manipulation
• The date of the treatment
• The method of closed treatment used (e.g., cast or brace)

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24500, it is important to ensure that the treatment meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The provider should not report CPT 24500 if surgical manipulation or an incision was performed. Additionally, if an evaluation and management (E/M) service was provided in conjunction with the closed treatment, it may also be reported. Modifier 57, Decision for surgery, should be used if the E/M service resulted in a decision for surgery.

8. Historical information

CPT 24500 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 presents with a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is appropriate. The provider applies a cast to hold the fracture in position during healing. CPT code 24500 would be used to bill for this service.
2. A patient sustains a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider assesses the alignment of the fracture on imaging. The provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is suitable and applies a brace to hold the fracture in position. CPT code 24500 would be used to report this treatment.
3. A patient presents with a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is appropriate. The provider applies a cast and provides instructions for care and follow-up. CPT code 24500 would be used to bill for this service.
4. A patient sustains a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider assesses the alignment of the fracture on imaging. The provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is suitable and applies a brace. CPT code 24500 would be used to report this treatment.
5. A patient presents with a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is appropriate. The provider applies a cast and provides the patient with information on activity restrictions. CPT code 24500 would be used to bill for this service.
6. A patient sustains a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider assesses the alignment of the fracture on imaging. The provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is suitable and applies a brace. CPT code 24500 would be used to report this treatment.
7. A patient presents with a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is appropriate. The provider applies a cast and provides the patient with instructions for follow-up care. CPT code 24500 would be used to bill for this service.
8. A patient sustains a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider assesses the alignment of the fracture on imaging. The provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is suitable and applies a brace. CPT code 24500 would be used to report this treatment.
9. A patient presents with a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is appropriate. The provider applies a cast and provides the patient with information on pain management. CPT code 24500 would be used to bill for this service.
10. A patient sustains a humeral shaft fracture, and the provider assesses the alignment of the fracture on imaging. The provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is suitable and applies a brace. CPT code 24500 would be used to report this treatment.