2025 CPT code 24140

Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) of bone (e.g., osteomyelitis), humerus.

Follow the CPT guidelines for surgical procedures on the musculoskeletal system.Accurate documentation is critical for appropriate code selection and reimbursement.

Modifiers may be applicable, such as 51 (multiple procedures) if performed with other procedures, 76 (repeat procedure), or 59 (distinct procedural service), depending on circumstances.

Medical necessity for 24140 is established when a patient has osteomyelitis or another bone infection in the humerus, and conservative treatment has failed or is not appropriate. The extent of bone resection should be proportional to the disease process.

The physician's responsibility includes prepping the patient, making an incision, dissecting tissue to expose the bone, removing the infected bone, irrigating the wound, achieving hemostasis, and closing the wound in layers.

IMPORTANT Similar codes may exist for other bone locations.Careful documentation of the specific bone involved is crucial for accurate coding.

In simple words: The doctor removes a portion of the infected upper arm bone (humerus) to treat an infection.

This procedure involves the partial removal of bone tissue from the humerus, creating a crater-like depression.Techniques may include craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy to address conditions such as osteomyelitis. The procedure includes dissection of muscle and surrounding tissue to expose the infected bone, removal of infected bone and debris, irrigation with sterile saline, hemostasis, and layered wound closure.

Example 1: A patient presents with osteomyelitis of the humerus.After appropriate imaging and diagnosis, a partial excision of the infected bone is performed using saucerization techniques., A patient sustains a severe humeral fracture with associated osteomyelitis.The surgeon performs open reduction and internal fixation, along with partial excision (craterization) of the infected bone., A patient with chronic osteomyelitis of the humerus undergoes multiple debridements.During one procedure, partial excision (diaphysectomy) of a segment of the humeral shaft is necessary to remove the necrotic bone.

* Preoperative diagnosis of osteomyelitis.* Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scan, MRI) demonstrating the extent of the infection.* Operative report detailing the technique used (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) and the amount of bone removed.* Postoperative pathology report confirming the presence of infection.

** This code is specific to the humerus.Use appropriate codes for other bone locations.Careful documentation is crucial due to similar codes for adjacent anatomical areas.

  • Revenue Code: P5B (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - MUSCULOSKELETAL)
  • RVU: Data not available in source. Refer to current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for RVU values.
  • Global Days : Data not available in source. Global period may vary based on the specific procedure and payer guidelines.Consult CPT guidelines and payer-specific information.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Technical component (TC) modifiers are not typically applicable to this code.Consult payer specific rules.
  • Fee Schedule : Data not available in source. Refer to historical Medicare Physician Fee Schedules.
  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient
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