How To Use CPT Code 24620

CPT code 24620 describes the closed treatment of a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow, specifically a fracture of the proximal end of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head. 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 24620?

CPT 24620 is used to describe the closed treatment of a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow. This specific type of fracture involves a fracture of the proximal end of the ulna, one of the bones in the forearm, along with a dislocation of the radial head, the top of the radius bone. The treatment involves manipulating the bones into their correct anatomical position without making an incision, followed by the application of a splint to maintain the reduction.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24620 is: ‘Closed treatment of Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at elbow (fracture proximal end of ulna with dislocation of radial head), with manipulation.’

3. Procedure

When performing CPT 24620, the healthcare provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient. Under the guidance of radiographic images, the provider then manipulates the bones in the elbow joint to maneuver them into proper anatomical alignment. This manipulation involves maneuvering and manipulating the bones without making an incision. Once the reduction is achieved, a splint is applied to maintain the correct alignment of the bones.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24620 is used for the closed treatment of a specific type of fracture dislocation at the elbow, known as a Monteggia type. This fracture involves a fracture of the proximal end of the ulna, accompanied by a dislocation of the radial head. The procedure requires manipulation of the bones to restore them to their correct anatomical position. It is important to note that this code is specifically for closed treatment, meaning that no incision is made during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 24620

CPT code 24620 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the closed treatment of a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow. This code is appropriate when the provider manipulates the bones into their correct anatomical position without making an incision. If an incision is made during the procedure, a different CPT code should be used to accurately describe the treatment.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24620, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow
• Details of the closed treatment procedure, including the manipulation of the bones and the application of a splint
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the use of anesthesia or sedation
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24620, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The treatment must involve the closed treatment of a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow, with manipulation of the bones and the application of a splint. If the procedure does not meet these criteria, a different CPT code should be used to accurately describe the treatment.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24620 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. Similar codes to CPT 24620

There are several similar codes to CPT 24620 that describe different procedures for the treatment of fractures and dislocations in the upper arm and elbow. Some examples include:

• CPT 24500: Closed treatment of humeral shaft fracture, with manipulation
• CPT 24530: Closed treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, with manipulation
• CPT 24640: Closed treatment of radial head or neck fracture; without manipulation
• CPT 24665: Closed treatment of radial head or neck fracture; with manipulation
• CPT 24685: Closed treatment of radial head or neck fracture; with internal fixation

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment using manipulation and applies a splint to maintain the reduction.
2. An individual sustains a fracture of the proximal end of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment without making an incision, manipulating the bones into their correct anatomical position, and applies a splint.
3. A patient is diagnosed with a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment, manipulating the bones and applying a splint to maintain the reduction.
4. An individual presents with a fracture of the proximal end of the ulna and dislocation of the radial head. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment, manipulating the bones without making an incision, and applies a splint.
5. A patient sustains a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment, manipulating the bones and applying a splint to ensure proper alignment.
6. An individual is diagnosed with a fracture of the proximal end of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment, manipulating the bones and applying a splint to maintain the reduction.
7. A patient presents with a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment, manipulating the bones into their correct anatomical position, and applies a splint to ensure proper alignment.
8. An individual sustains a fracture of the proximal end of the ulna and dislocation of the radial head. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment, manipulating the bones without making an incision, and applies a splint to maintain the reduction.
9. A patient is diagnosed with a Monteggia type of fracture dislocation at the elbow. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment, manipulating the bones and applying a splint to ensure proper alignment.