How To Use CPT Code 24666

CPT 24666 describes the open treatment of a fracture at the head or neck of the radius, which is one of the bones in the forearm. 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 24666?

CPT 24666 is used to describe the open treatment of a fracture at the head or neck of the radius, which involves either internal fixation or radial head excision, when performed with radial head prosthetic replacement. This code is used when a provider performs a surgical procedure to treat a fracture in the forearm by making an incision at the elbow, excising a portion of the bone, and replacing it with a prosthesis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24666 is: ‘Open treatment of radial head or neck fracture, includes internal fixation or radial head excision, when performed with radial head prosthetic replacement.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision over the elbow and dissects down to the bone.
3. The provider reduces the fracture, aligning the broken bone.
4. If necessary, the provider excises the radial head and replaces it with a prosthesis.
5. The prosthesis is secured in place with screws or wires.
6. The provider checks the alignment of the fracture using an X-ray.
7. The area is irrigated, bleeding is checked, instruments are removed, and the incision is closed in layers.
8. A splint is applied to support the healing process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 24666 is used for patients who have a fracture at the head or neck of the radius and require open treatment with internal fixation or radial head excision, along with radial head prosthetic replacement. This procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and is typically indicated when conservative treatment methods are not sufficient to treat the fracture.

5. When to use CPT code 24666

CPT code 24666 should be used when a provider performs open treatment for a fracture at the head or neck of the radius, which includes internal fixation or radial head excision, along with radial head prosthetic replacement. It is important to note that if the procedure does not involve a prosthesis, CPT code 24665 should be reported instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 24666, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a fracture at the head or neck of the radius
• Details of the procedure performed, including whether internal fixation or radial head excision was performed, and if a prosthesis was used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 24666, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. It is important to note that CPT code 24666 should not be reported if CPT codes 24667 to 24669 have already been performed in the previous seven days. Additionally, consider the location of the testing when coding for pulmonary function tests, as they have both a professional and technical component.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24666 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. On January 1, 2008, the code description was updated to include the option of performing the procedure with or without internal fixation or radial head excision, along with radial head prosthetic replacement.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs open treatment for a fracture at the head of the radius, excising the radial head and replacing it with a prosthesis.
2. A patient with a fracture at the neck of the radius undergoes open treatment, with the provider using internal fixation and a radial head prosthesis.
3. A provider performs open treatment for a fracture at the head of the radius, excising the radial head and performing ulnar osteotomy, followed by the placement of a prosthesis.
4. A patient with a fracture at the neck of the radius undergoes open treatment, with the provider using internal fixation, ulnar osteotomy, and a radial head prosthesis.
5. A provider performs open treatment for a fracture at the head of the radius, excising the radial head and repairing associated collateral ligaments, followed by the placement of a prosthesis.
6. A patient with a fracture at the neck of the radius undergoes open treatment, with the provider using internal fixation, repair of associated collateral ligaments, and a radial head prosthesis.
7. A provider performs open treatment for a fracture at the head of the radius, excising the radial head and repairing associated collateral and annular ligaments, followed by the placement of a prosthesis.
8. A patient with a fracture at the neck of the radius undergoes open treatment, with the provider using internal fixation, repair of associated collateral and annular ligaments, and a radial head prosthesis.