How To Use CPT Code 24802

CPT code 24802 describes the surgical procedure known as arthrodesis of the elbow joint with autogenous graft. 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 24802?

CPT 24802 is a code used to describe the surgical procedure of arthrodesis of the elbow joint with autogenous graft. This procedure involves creating surgical immobilization of the elbow joint using fixation devices and inducing artificial bone generation in the joint area with the help of a graft obtained from another part of the patient’s body.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 24802 is: ‘Arthrodesis, elbow joint with autogenous graft (includes obtaining graft).’ This procedure involves fusing the bones of the elbow joint together to immobilize the joint and promote bone growth using a graft obtained from the patient’s own body.

3. Procedure

The arthrodesis of the elbow joint with autogenous graft procedure involves several steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. A longitudinal incision is made on the posterior side of the elbow joint.
3. The joint capsule is excised, and the bony surface of the joint is exposed.
4. A groove-shaped bed is created in the backside of the humerus and on the upper end of the radius.
5. A bone graft is harvested from another part of the patient’s body, preferably from a lower extremity or pelvic bone.
6. The graft is fixed at the elbow using bone screws or nails, in the depression prepared on the posterior side of the joint.
7. The muscular structures around the joint are reattached, and the incisions are sutured in layers at both the elbow and the site from where the graft was extracted.

This procedure is typically performed in cases of recurrent infection, persistent degenerative diseases, or for patients who are not suitable candidates for elbow arthroplasty procedures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Arthrodesis of the elbow joint with autogenous graft is performed on patients with specific conditions that require surgical immobilization of the joint. These conditions may include recurrent infection, persistent degenerative diseases, or when the patient is not suitable for elbow arthroplasty procedures. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional who has the necessary expertise in performing arthrodesis procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 24802

CPT code 24802 should be used when the provider performs arthrodesis of the elbow joint with autogenous graft. This code is appropriate when the procedure involves obtaining a graft from another part of the patient’s body and using it to fuse the bones of the elbow joint together. It is important to note that CPT code 24802 should not be reported if the provider does not harvest the bone graft from a distant site requiring a separate incision. In such cases, CPT code 24800 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 24802, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for arthrodesis of the elbow joint with autogenous graft
• Details of the procedure, including the specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 24802, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria for arthrodesis of the elbow joint with autogenous graft. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, it is crucial to use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed and not to report harvesting and placement of the graft separately.

8. Historical information

CPT code 24802 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 24802

There are several similar codes to CPT code 24802 that describe arthrodesis procedures on the humerus (upper arm) and elbow. These codes include:

• CPT 24800: Arthrodesis, elbow joint, with or without autogenous graft
• CPT 24801: Arthrodesis, elbow joint, with or without autogenous graft; with external fixation
• CPT 24810: Arthrodesis, humerus, proximal end
• CPT 24811: Arthrodesis, humerus, proximal end; with autogenous graft (includes obtaining graft)
• CPT 24812: Arthrodesis, humerus, proximal end; with prosthetic replacement

9. Examples

1. A patient with recurrent infection in the elbow joint undergoes arthrodesis with autogenous graft to immobilize the joint and promote bone growth.
2. A patient with persistent degenerative disease in the elbow joint undergoes arthrodesis with autogenous graft to provide stability and alleviate symptoms.
3. A patient who is not suitable for elbow arthroplasty procedures undergoes arthrodesis with autogenous graft to restore functionality to the elbow joint.
4. A patient with a history of failed previous elbow surgeries undergoes arthrodesis with autogenous graft to provide long-term stability and pain relief.
5. A patient with severe elbow joint damage due to trauma undergoes arthrodesis with autogenous graft to restore joint integrity and function.
6. A patient with a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the elbow joint undergoes arthrodesis with autogenous graft to alleviate pain and improve joint stability.
7. A patient with a congenital elbow joint deformity undergoes arthrodesis with autogenous graft to correct the deformity and improve joint function.
8. A patient with a history of failed conservative treatments for elbow joint instability undergoes arthrodesis with autogenous graft to provide long-term stability and prevent further damage.