How To Use CPT Code 24530

CPT code 24530 describes the closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral 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 24530?

CPT 24530 is used to describe the closed treatment of a fracture in the humerus, specifically in the area above or through a condyle, without manipulation. This means that the provider does not make an incision or manipulate the fracture during the treatment. Instead, they assess the alignment of the fracture on imaging and immobilize the arm in a cast or brace to promote healing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24530 is: ‘Closed treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, with or without intercondylar extension without manipulation.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 24530 involves the following steps:

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

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24530 is used for patients who have a fracture in the humerus that is located above or through a condyle, without extending between the condyles. The treatment does not involve any manipulation of the fracture or an open surgical procedure. The provider assesses the alignment of the fracture and determines that closed treatment with immobilization is appropriate.

5. When to use CPT code 24530

CPT code 24530 should be used when a patient has a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture that can be treated without manipulation. This code is appropriate when the provider immobilizes the fracture using a cast or brace, without making an incision or manipulating the fracture.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24530, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of the humeral fracture
• Evidence of the fracture on imaging
• Description of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Type of immobilization used (cast or brace)
• Instructions given to the patient regarding care and follow-up

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24530, ensure that the treatment performed meets the criteria for this code. The provider should not manipulate the fracture or perform an open surgical procedure. It is important to document the necessary information to support the claim, including the diagnosis, imaging findings, and details of the closed treatment procedure. Additionally, be aware of any specific payer guidelines or requirements for reporting this code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24530 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 24530

There are several similar codes to CPT 24530 that describe different types of treatment for humeral fractures. These include:

• CPT 24500: Closed treatment of humeral shaft fracture, without manipulation
• CPT 24505: Closed treatment of humeral shaft fracture with manipulation
• CPT 24515: Closed treatment of humeral condylar fracture, medial or lateral, without manipulation
• CPT 24516: Closed treatment of humeral condylar fracture, medial or lateral, with manipulation
• CPT 24535: Closed treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture with manipulation

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a supracondylar humeral fracture. The provider assesses the alignment on imaging and determines that closed treatment without manipulation is appropriate. The arm is immobilized in a cast.
2. A patient sustains a transcondylar humeral fracture. The provider confirms the alignment on imaging and applies a brace to immobilize the arm during the healing process.
3. A child fractures their humerus above the condyle. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation and applies a cast to the arm.
4. An elderly patient fractures their humerus through a condyle. The provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is suitable and immobilizes the arm with a brace.
5. A patient presents with a supracondylar humeral fracture. The provider confirms the alignment on imaging and applies a cast to immobilize the arm.
6. A teenager sustains a transcondylar humeral fracture. The provider assesses the alignment on imaging and applies a brace to support the arm during the healing process.
7. A patient fractures their humerus above the condyle. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation and applies a cast to the arm.
8. An adult fractures their humerus through a condyle. The provider determines that closed treatment without manipulation is appropriate and immobilizes the arm with a brace.
9. A child presents with a supracondylar humeral fracture. The provider confirms the alignment on imaging and applies a cast to immobilize the arm.
10. An elderly patient sustains a transcondylar humeral fracture. The provider assesses the alignment on imaging and applies a brace to support the arm during the healing process.