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The CPT® Code 24100 refers to the procedure known as an arthrotomy of the elbow with a synovial biopsy only. This surgical intervention involves the opening of the elbow joint capsule to access the synovial tissue, which is the lining of the joint that produces synovial fluid. The primary purpose of this procedure is to obtain samples of the synovial tissue for laboratory analysis, which can help in diagnosing various joint conditions. During the arthrotomy, the physician may utilize different approaches, such as posterior, medial, or anterolateral, to effectively access the joint. The procedure is specifically focused on the biopsy aspect, distinguishing it from other related codes that involve additional interventions, such as joint exploration or synovectomy. In this context, synovial fluid is aspirated, and tissue samples are collected to be sent for separate laboratory evaluation, which is crucial for understanding the underlying pathology affecting the elbow joint.
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The procedure coded as CPT® 24100 is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions affecting the elbow joint, particularly when there is a need to obtain synovial tissue for diagnostic purposes. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® 24100 involves several key steps to ensure proper access to the elbow joint and collection of synovial tissue samples. The following procedural steps are performed:
Following the arthrotomy and synovial biopsy, the patient is monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care typically includes pain management, instructions for wound care, and guidelines for activity restrictions to promote healing. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period to prevent strain on the elbow joint. Follow-up appointments are essential to review laboratory results from the synovial tissue analysis and to assess the healing process of the surgical site.
| Short Descr | ARTHRT ELBW SYNOVIAL BX ONLY | Medium Descr | ARTHROTOMY ELBOW W/SYNOVIAL BIOPSY ONLY | Long Descr | Arthrotomy, elbow; with synovial biopsy only | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 159 - Other diagnostic procedures on musculoskeletal system |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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