How To Use CPT Code 24560

CPT code 24560 describes the closed treatment of a humeral epicondylar fracture, either medial or lateral, 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 24560?

CPT 24560 is used to describe the closed treatment of a fracture of an epicondyle of the humerus, which is a small bump on either side of the elbow, above the condyle. This code is specifically for cases where the fracture is treated without making an incision or manipulating the fracture.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24560 is: ‘Closed treatment of humeral epicondylar fracture, medial or lateral without manipulation.’

3. Procedure

In the procedure for CPT 24560, the healthcare provider first assesses the presence of a fracture using radiographic imaging. Once the fracture is confirmed, the provider determines that the alignment of the fracture is satisfactory and does not require manipulation. The provider then applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and advises the patient on activity restrictions until the fracture heals.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24560 is used for patients who have a fracture of the epicondyle of the humerus, either medial or lateral, and do not require manipulation of the fracture. The provider must confirm the presence of the fracture through radiographic imaging and ensure that the alignment of the fracture is satisfactory. The treatment must be performed in a closed procedure, without making an incision.

5. When to use CPT code 24560

CPT code 24560 should be used when a patient has a fracture of the humeral epicondyle, either medial or lateral, and the fracture does not require manipulation. This code is specifically for cases where the treatment is performed in a closed procedure, without making an incision.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24560, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of the fracture through radiographic imaging
• Assessment of the alignment of the fracture and determination that manipulation is not required
• Description of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Application of a splint to immobilize the fracture
• Advice given to the patient regarding activity restrictions

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24560, ensure that the treatment is performed in a closed procedure without manipulation. This code should not be reported if an incision is made or if manipulation of the fracture is performed. It is important to document the necessary information to support the claim, as outlined in the documentation requirements section.

8. Historical information

CPT 24560 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 lateral epicondylar fracture of the humerus. The provider confirms the fracture through radiographic imaging and determines that the alignment is satisfactory. The provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and advises the patient on activity restrictions until healing occurs.
2. A patient sustains a medial epicondylar fracture of the humerus. The provider assesses the fracture using radiographic imaging and determines that manipulation is not required. The provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and provides instructions to the patient regarding activity limitations during the healing process.
3. A patient presents with a lateral epicondylar fracture of the humerus. The provider confirms the fracture through radiographic imaging and determines that manipulation is not necessary. The provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and advises the patient on the appropriate activities to avoid until the fracture heals.
4. A medial epicondylar fracture of the humerus is diagnosed in a patient. The provider assesses the fracture using radiographic imaging and determines that manipulation is not required. The provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and provides the patient with instructions on activity restrictions during the healing process.
5. A patient sustains a lateral epicondylar fracture of the humerus. The provider confirms the fracture through radiographic imaging and determines that manipulation is not necessary. The provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and advises the patient on the appropriate activities to avoid until the fracture heals.
6. A medial epicondylar fracture of the humerus is diagnosed in a patient. The provider assesses the fracture using radiographic imaging and determines that manipulation is not required. The provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and provides the patient with instructions on activity restrictions during the healing process.
7. A patient presents with a lateral epicondylar fracture of the humerus. The provider confirms the fracture through radiographic imaging and determines that manipulation is not necessary. The provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and advises the patient on the appropriate activities to avoid until the fracture heals.
8. A medial epicondylar fracture of the humerus is diagnosed in a patient. The provider assesses the fracture using radiographic imaging and determines that manipulation is not required. The provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and provides the patient with instructions on activity restrictions during the healing process.
9. A patient sustains a lateral epicondylar fracture of the humerus. The provider confirms the fracture through radiographic imaging and determines that manipulation is not necessary. The provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and advises the patient on the appropriate activities to avoid until the fracture heals.