How To Use CPT Code 24579

CPT code 24579 describes the open treatment of a humeral condylar fracture, either medial or lateral, which includes internal fixation if performed. 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 24579?

CPT 24579 is used to describe the open treatment of a humeral condylar fracture, specifically the medial or lateral condyle of the humerus. This procedure involves the use of internal fixation, such as plates, screws, wires, or pins, to stabilize the fracture during the healing process.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24579 is: ‘Open treatment of humeral condylar fracture, medial or lateral, includes internal fixation, when performed.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 24579 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the fractured bone.
3. The provider dissects down through the subcutaneous tissue, protecting the nerves and vessels.
4. The muscles are retracted to gain adequate exposure of the medial or lateral humeral condylar fracture.
5. The provider adjusts the bone to reduce the fracture.
6. If necessary, internal fixation is performed using plates, screws, wires, or pins to stabilize the reduction.
7. The alignment of the fracture is checked using imaging.
8. The area is irrigated, bleeding is checked, instruments are removed, and the incision is closed.
9. A splint or brace may be applied to support the healing process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24579 is performed on patients who have a fracture of the medial or lateral condyle of the humerus that requires open treatment. The procedure involves the use of internal fixation to stabilize the fracture. It is important to note that this code is specific to the treatment of humeral condylar fractures and should not be used for other types of fractures or conditions.

5. When to use CPT code 24579

CPT code 24579 should be used when a provider performs open treatment of a humeral condylar fracture, either medial or lateral, and includes internal fixation if performed. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24579, the provider must document the following information:

• The diagnosis of a humeral condylar fracture
• The need for open treatment and internal fixation
• The specific details of the procedure, including the location of the fracture (medial or lateral)
• The use of any hardware or fixation devices
• The date of the procedure
• The start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or services performed during the same encounter
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24579, it is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is also important to follow any additional billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24579 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2008, which expanded the description to include internal or external fixation.

9. Similar codes to CPT 24579

There are several similar codes to CPT 24579 that describe different procedures for the treatment of humeral fractures. These include:

• CPT 24530: Closed treatment of humeral fracture, proximal end, includes internal fixation if performed
• CPT 24560: Closed treatment of humeral fracture, shaft; without manipulation
• CPT 24576: Closed treatment of humeral fracture, distal end, includes internal fixation if performed
• CPT 24650: Closed treatment of humeral epicondylar fracture, medial or lateral; without manipulation
• CPT 24670: Closed treatment of humeral epicondylar fracture, medial or lateral; with manipulation

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes open treatment of a medial condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using plates and screws.
2. A provider performs open treatment of a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using wires.
3. An individual undergoes open treatment of a medial condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using pins.
4. A patient undergoes open treatment of a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using a combination of plates and screws.
5. A provider performs open treatment of a medial condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using a plate and screws.
6. An individual undergoes open treatment of a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using wires and pins.
7. A patient undergoes open treatment of a medial condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using screws.
8. A provider performs open treatment of a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using a plate.
9. An individual undergoes open treatment of a medial condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using wires and pins.
10. A patient undergoes open treatment of a lateral condylar fracture of the humerus with internal fixation using screws and plates.