2025 CPT code 24145
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Partial Excision Musculoskeletal System Feed
Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) of bone in the radial head or neck due to osteomyelitis.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure. For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) might be used if other procedures are performed during the same surgical session. Modifier 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician) might be appropriate for a repeat excision by the same surgeon.Consult the CPT codebook for detailed information on modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of documented osteomyelitis in the radial head or neck, unresponsive to conservative treatment (e.g., antibiotics).The surgical intervention is necessary to remove infected bone tissue, prevent further spread of the infection, and promote healing.
The clinical responsibility for this procedure falls on an orthopedic surgeon or a hand surgeon. They are responsible for preoperative planning, performing the surgical excision, ensuring hemostasis, and managing postoperative care.Anesthesiologists are also involved in the administration of anesthesia if needed.
In simple words: This code describes surgery to remove a portion of the bone in the radial head or neck (part of the elbow joint) when it's infected. The doctor makes a small cut, removes the infected bone, cleans the area, and stitches it up.
This CPT code, 24145, denotes a surgical procedure involving the partial excision of bone tissue from the radial head or neck.The techniques employed may include craterization (creating a crater-like depression), saucerization (removing bone ridges to form a saucer shape), or diaphysectomy (partial or complete removal of the bone shaft). The procedure is typically indicated in cases of osteomyelitis (bone infection) affecting the specified anatomical location.The extent of bone removal is determined by the surgeon's clinical judgment, based on the severity and location of the infection.The procedure includes dissection of surrounding tissues to expose the affected bone, excision of the infected bone, debridement of debris and fibrous tissue, hemostasis (control of bleeding), irrigation, and closure of the wound in layers.
Example 1: A 45-year-old male patient presents with severe pain, swelling, and redness in his right elbow, along with a high fever.Imaging studies reveal osteomyelitis in the radial head.The surgeon performs a partial excision (saucerization) of the infected radial head bone using 24145., A 60-year-old female patient with a history of diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis develops osteomyelitis in the neck of the radius. The surgeon performs a partial excision (craterization) of the infected bone with debridement using 24145., A 28-year-old male patient sustains an open fracture of the radial head with subsequent osteomyelitis.After initial fracture management and infection control, a partial excision (diaphysectomy) is performed using 24145.
Detailed surgical notes describing the procedure, including the type of excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy), the location (radial head or neck), the extent of bone removed, and any complications encountered. Preoperative and postoperative imaging (X-rays or MRI) showing the extent of osteomyelitis before and after the procedure. Microbiology reports if tissue samples were sent for culture and sensitivity. Pathology report, if applicable.Complete patient history and physical examination notes documenting the signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis.
** Accurate anatomical location is paramount in selecting the correct code among similar codes in the CPT manual.Ensure appropriate documentation supports the choice of 24145 over other options like 24140 or 24147.
- RVU: The relative value units (RVUs) for this code will vary depending on geographic location, facility type (e.g., hospital outpatient department versus physician office), and other factors.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for accurate RVU values and reimbursement rates.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is typically 0 days, meaning that any subsequent procedures related to the initial excision would be separately billable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The modifier TC (technical component) is not usually applicable to 24145, as it is typically reported as a professional component.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data for this code can be obtained from CMS or other payer websites.However, note that reimbursement rates are subject to change.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center