How To Use CPT Code 24576

CPT code 24576 describes the closed treatment of a humeral condylar 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 24576?

CPT 24576 is used to describe the closed treatment of a fracture in the condyle of the humerus, which is one of the rounded projections at the top of the upper arm bone. This code is specifically for cases where the provider does not make an incision or use manipulation during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24576 is: ‘Closed treatment of humeral condylar fracture, medial or lateral without manipulation.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure for CPT 24576, the provider treats a fracture in the condyle of the humerus without making an incision or using manipulation. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, and the provider reduces the fractured fragment by exerting pushing or pulling force on the arm and forearm. The reduction is confirmed with imaging, and a splint or brace is applied to support the healing process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24576 is used for patients who have a fracture in the condyle of the humerus, either medial or lateral, that requires closed treatment without manipulation. The provider must confirm the need for treatment through appropriate evaluation and imaging. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to cases where no incision or manipulation is performed.

5. When to use CPT code 24576

CPT code 24576 should be used when a patient has a fracture in the condyle of the humerus, either medial or lateral, and the treatment involves closed reduction without manipulation. This code should not be used if an incision is made or if manipulation is performed during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24576, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a humeral condylar fracture
• Confirmation of the need for closed treatment without manipulation
• Description of the procedure performed, including the reduction technique used
• Documentation of any imaging studies performed to confirm the reduction
• Details of the splint or brace applied to support the healing process
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24576, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for closed treatment without manipulation. This code should not be reported if an incision is made or if manipulation is performed. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding documentation and billing for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24576 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. Examples

1. A patient presents with a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a splint to support the healing process.
2. An individual sustains a medial condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a brace to support the healing process.
3. A patient is diagnosed with a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a cast to support the healing process.
4. An individual fractures the medial condyle of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a splint to support the healing process.
5. A patient presents with a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a brace to support the healing process.
6. An individual sustains a medial condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a cast to support the healing process.
7. A patient is diagnosed with a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a splint to support the healing process.
8. An individual fractures the medial condyle of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a brace to support the healing process.
9. A patient presents with a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a cast to support the healing process.
10. An individual sustains a medial condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a splint to support the healing process.