How To Use CPT Code 24577

CPT code 24577 describes the closed treatment of a humeral condylar fracture, either medial or lateral, with 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 24577?

CPT 24577 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 procedure involves manipulating the fractured fragment without making an incision. The provider uses pushing or pulling force on the arm and forearm to reduce the fractured fragment and checks the alignment with imaging. A splint or brace is then applied to support the healing process.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24577 is: ‘Closed treatment of humeral condylar fracture, medial or lateral, with manipulation.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 24577 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider reduces the fractured fragment by exerting pushing or pulling force on the arm and forearm.
3. The alignment of the fractured fragment is checked using imaging.
4. A splint or brace is applied to support the healing process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24577 is used for patients who have a fracture in the condyle of the humerus, either medial or lateral, that requires closed treatment with manipulation. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional who has the necessary skills and expertise to manipulate the fractured fragment without making an incision.

5. When to use CPT code 24577

CPT code 24577 should be used when a patient has a fracture in the condyle of the humerus, either medial or lateral, and the provider performs closed treatment with manipulation. This code should not be used if an incision is made during the procedure or if a different treatment approach, such as open reduction, is used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 24577, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a humeral condylar fracture
• Details of the closed treatment procedure, including the manipulation technique used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or services performed during the same encounter
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 24577, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for closed treatment of a humeral condylar fracture with manipulation. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any additional services provided during the same encounter. Modifier 76, Repeat procedure or service by the same provider, should be appended if the reduction of the fracture was confirmed on X-ray after the initial reduction.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24577 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 24577

Five similar codes to CPT 24577 include:

• CPT 24576: Closed treatment of humeral condylar fracture, medial or lateral, without manipulation
• CPT 24578: Open treatment of humeral condylar fracture, medial or lateral
• CPT 24579: Open treatment of humeral condylar fracture, medial or lateral, with internal fixation
• CPT 24586: Closed treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture with manipulation
• CPT 24587: Open treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture with or without internal or external fixation

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, reducing the fractured fragment and applying a splint for support.
2. A medial condylar fracture of the humerus is diagnosed in a patient. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, ensuring proper alignment of the fractured fragment and applying a brace for stabilization.
3. A patient sustains a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, confirming the reduction on imaging and applying a splint to aid in the healing process.
4. A medial condylar fracture of the humerus is identified in a patient. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, ensuring the proper alignment of the fractured fragment and applying a brace for support.
5. A patient presents with a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, confirming the reduction on imaging and applying a splint to facilitate healing.
6. A medial condylar fracture of the humerus is diagnosed in a patient. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, ensuring the proper alignment of the fractured fragment and applying a brace for stabilization.
7. A patient sustains a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, confirming the reduction on imaging and applying a splint to aid in the healing process.
8. A medial condylar fracture of the humerus is identified in a patient. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, ensuring the proper alignment of the fractured fragment and applying a brace for support.
9. A patient presents with a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, confirming the reduction on imaging and applying a splint to facilitate healing.
10. A medial condylar fracture of the humerus is diagnosed in a patient. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation, ensuring the proper alignment of the fractured fragment and applying a brace for stabilization.