How To Use CPT Code 24640

CPT code 24640 describes the closed treatment of radial head subluxation in a child, commonly known as nursemaid elbow, 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 24640?

CPT 24640 is used to describe the closed treatment of radial head subluxation in a child, also known as nursemaid elbow, with manipulation. This code is used when a healthcare provider manipulates the partially dislocated elbow joint of a child to restore it to its proper anatomical position without the need for surgical intervention.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24640 is: ‘Closed treatment of radial head subluxation (nursemaid elbow) without manipulation.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 24640 involves the healthcare provider manipulating the radial head of the child’s elbow joint to realign it into the correct anatomical position. This is done without surgically opening the site of dislocation. The provider may use their hands or instruments to move the structure into position.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24640 is applicable when a child presents with radial head subluxation, also known as nursemaid elbow. This condition occurs when the radius bone in the forearm becomes partially dislocated at the elbow joint. The procedure is performed on children and does not involve surgical intervention.

5. When to use CPT code 24640

CPT code 24640 should be used when a healthcare provider performs closed treatment of radial head subluxation in a child without manipulation. This code is specifically for cases where the provider manipulates the joint to restore it to its proper position without the need for surgical intervention.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 24640, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of radial head subluxation (nursemaid elbow)
• Details of the procedure performed, including the manipulation technique used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any additional treatment or immobilization provided, if applicable
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 24640, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria for closed treatment of radial head subluxation without manipulation. This code should not be reported if manipulation is performed. If a separate evaluation and management (E/M) service is provided along with CPT 24640, modifier 25 should be appended to the appropriate E/M code to indicate that a significant, separately identifiable service was performed on the same day.

8. Historical information

CPT 24640 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 24640

There are no similar codes to CPT 24640 within the range of fracture and/or dislocation procedures on the humerus (upper arm) and elbow (24500-24685).

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider manipulates the elbow joint of a child with nursemaid elbow to restore the radial head to its proper position.
2. A physician uses a specific technique to manipulate the partially dislocated elbow joint of a child with radial head subluxation.
3. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment of nursemaid elbow without surgical intervention by manipulating the radial head of the child’s elbow joint.
4. A nursemaid elbow is successfully treated by a healthcare provider who manipulates the joint to restore it to its anatomical position.
5. A child with radial head subluxation receives closed treatment without manipulation from a healthcare provider.
6. A healthcare provider uses their hands to manipulate the elbow joint of a child with nursemaid elbow, successfully restoring the radial head to its proper position.
7. A physician performs closed treatment of radial head subluxation in a child without manipulation, using a specific technique to realign the joint.
8. A child with nursemaid elbow undergoes closed treatment without surgical intervention, as the healthcare provider manipulates the elbow joint to restore the radial head to its anatomical position.
9. A healthcare provider successfully treats a child with radial head subluxation by manipulating the joint without the need for surgical intervention.
10. A physician uses a hands-on approach to manipulate the elbow joint of a child with nursemaid elbow, effectively restoring the radial head to its proper position.