2025 CPT code 24006
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthrotomy of the elbow with capsular excision for capsular release (separate procedure).
Modifiers, such as 50 for bilateral procedures or 22 for increased procedural services, may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Modifier 59 may be necessary to indicate a distinct procedural service.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the functional limitations and pain resulting from the capsular contracture or instability. Conservative treatments attempted prior to surgery should also be documented.
The physician is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, including patient evaluation, surgical planning, performing the surgery, and postoperative care.
In simple words: This procedure involves opening the elbow joint and removing a part of the joint's lining to improve movement and relieve stiffness.
Surgical incision into the elbow joint followed by the removal of a portion of the joint capsule to release contracture or improve range of motion. This is performed as a standalone procedure, not in conjunction with other elbow surgeries.
Example 1: A patient with limited elbow range of motion due to capsular contracture undergoes capsular release to improve function., A patient with recurrent elbow instability resulting from a prior injury undergoes capsular excision to tighten the joint., A patient with a stiff elbow after a fracture undergoes an arthrotomy with capsular release to regain mobility.
Documentation should include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, including the extent of capsular excision. Preoperative imaging and range of motion assessments should also be included.
** For further details, utilize a medical coding and billing resource such as the current CPT manual or a specialized coding database.
- Global Days: The global period for this code includes all necessary pre-, intra-, and postoperative care, typically lasting 90 days.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is not typically applicable to this code as it represents a surgical procedure rather than a technical component of a service.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital