2025 CPT code 23170

Sequestrectomy (e.g., for osteomyelitis or bone abscess) of the clavicle.

Follow the guidelines provided in the most current CPT manual regarding sequestrectomy and bone debridement.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 51 for multiple procedures, 76 for a repeat procedure). Consult the CPT guidelines and payer specific rules.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of a sequestrum in the clavicle, caused by osteomyelitis or bone abscess, causing pain, inflammation, and potential systemic infection.The sequestrectomy is necessary to remove the source of infection and promote healing.

The surgeon's responsibilities include prepping and anesthetizing the patient, performing the incision, dissecting to the bone, extracting the sequestrum, debriding the area, irrigating with antibiotic solution, placing a drain if needed, controlling bleeding, and closing the incision.The surgeon also submits the specimen for pathological examination.

IMPORTANT Related codes include 23172 (scapula) and 23174 (humeral head to surgical neck) for sequestrectomy in other shoulder areas.Codes 23180, 23182, and 23184 represent partial excisions (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) for osteomyelitis in the clavicle, scapula, and proximal humerus, respectively.

In simple words: The doctor removes a piece of dead bone (a sequestrum) from the collarbone. This is often done to treat a bone infection.

This code reports the surgical removal of a sequestrum, a segment of dead bone separated from healthy bone, specifically from the clavicle.The procedure typically involves an incision, dissection to the bone, extraction of the sequestrum, debridement of surrounding necrotic or infected tissue, irrigation with an antibiotic solution, possible placement of a drain, hemostasis, and closure of the incision.Debridement and irrigation are inherent to the procedure and not separately reported.

Example 1: A patient presents with chronic osteomyelitis of the clavicle.A sequestrum is identified on imaging. The surgeon performs a sequestrectomy, removing the dead bone fragment, and debriding the surrounding infected area.The wound is irrigated and closed., A patient sustains a compound fracture of the clavicle with subsequent osteomyelitis. During the surgical repair of the fracture, a sequestrum is discovered and removed, along with debridement of infected bone., A patient experiences a clavicle bone abscess. A sequestrum is present. The surgeon performs a sequestrectomy to remove the dead bone and surrounding infected tissue. The wound is irrigated and closed. The patient is started on antibiotics.

** Accurate coding requires a clear operative report specifying the location of the sequestrum (clavicle) and the inclusion of debridement and irrigation inherent to the procedure.The extent of the excision is not a factor for code selection. Consult the most recent CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines for appropriate coding and reimbursement.

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