How To Use CPT Code 24535

CPT code 24535 describes the closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, with or without intercondylar extension, using manipulation and potentially skin or skeletal traction. 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 24535?

CPT 24535 is used to describe the closed treatment of a specific type of humeral fracture. This procedure involves manipulating the fractured bone back into alignment without making an incision. It may also include the application of skin or skeletal traction to aid in restoring alignment.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24535 is: ‘Closed treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, with or without intercondylar extension with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 24535 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider manipulates the fractured fragment by exerting pushing or pulling force on the humerus to reduce the fracture.
3. Skin traction may be applied by taping the extremity or an external traction device may be used.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24535 is used for the treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, with or without intercondylar extension. The procedure involves manipulation of the fracture without making an incision. Skin or skeletal traction may be used to aid in restoring alignment.

5. When to use CPT code 24535

CPT code 24535 should be used when a provider performs closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, with or without intercondylar extension, using manipulation and potentially skin or skeletal traction. It should not be used for other types of humeral fractures or for open treatment procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 24535, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture
• Details of the closed treatment procedure performed, including manipulation and any use of skin or skeletal traction
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 24535, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture with manipulation and potentially skin or skeletal traction. It should not be reported with other codes that describe different procedures or treatments for humeral fractures. Additional supplies of casting materials may be reported separately using appropriate HCPCS codes.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24535 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 24535

There are several similar codes to CPT code 24535 that describe different procedures for humeral fractures. These include:

• CPT 24500: Closed treatment of humeral shaft fracture, with manipulation
• CPT 24505: Closed treatment of humeral shaft fracture, with or without anesthesia; without manipulation
• CPT 24530: Closed treatment of humeral condylar fracture, medial or lateral; without manipulation
• CPT 24545: Closed treatment of humeral epicondylar fracture, medial or lateral; without manipulation
• CPT 24546: Closed treatment of humeral epicondylar fracture, medial or lateral; with manipulation

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a supracondylar humeral fracture. The provider performs closed treatment using manipulation and applies skin traction to aid in alignment.
2. A patient sustains a transcondylar humeral fracture with intercondylar extension. The provider performs closed treatment without the use of traction.
3. A child fractures their humerus above the condyle. The provider manipulates the fracture and applies skeletal traction to assist in realigning the bone.
4. An adult patient fractures their humerus through the condyle. The provider performs closed treatment without the need for traction.
5. A patient presents with a supracondylar humeral fracture with intercondylar extension. The provider manipulates the fracture and applies skin traction during the closed treatment.
6. A teenager sustains a transcondylar humeral fracture. The provider performs closed treatment without the use of traction.
7. An elderly patient fractures their humerus above the condyle. The provider manipulates the fracture and applies skeletal traction to aid in alignment.
8. A patient fractures their humerus through the condyle. The provider performs closed treatment without the need for traction.
9. A child presents with a supracondylar humeral fracture with intercondylar extension. The provider manipulates the fracture and applies skin traction during the closed treatment.
10. An adult patient sustains a transcondylar humeral fracture. The provider performs closed treatment without the use of traction.