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The procedure described by CPT® Code 24420 refers to osteoplasty of the humerus, which involves surgical alterations to the upper arm bone, known as the humerus. This procedure can either lengthen or shorten the bone, depending on the clinical need. In cases where shortening is required, the surgeon identifies specific sites on the humerus where cuts will be made. After making these cuts, a segment of the bone is excised, allowing the remaining sections of the humerus to be brought together. Internal fixation methods are then employed to stabilize the newly configured bone structure. Conversely, if the procedure aims to lengthen the humerus, the surgeon makes cuts in the bone and applies a distraction device. This device gradually pulls the bone apart, creating a gap where new bone tissue can form. As the distraction continues, new bone is deposited at the osteotomy site, ultimately allowing the bone to reach the desired length. Once the appropriate length is achieved, the distraction process is halted, and the bone is permitted to consolidate and heal, ensuring proper recovery and function.
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The osteoplasty procedure of the humerus, as described by CPT® Code 24420, is indicated for specific clinical scenarios where modification of the bone length is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for osteoplasty of the humerus involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:
After the osteoplasty procedure, patients typically require a period of recovery during which the arm may be immobilized to promote healing. Pain management strategies are implemented to ensure patient comfort. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore mobility and strength to the arm as healing progresses. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process and ensure that the bone is consolidating properly. Any signs of complications, such as infection or improper healing, should be addressed promptly to ensure optimal recovery.
| Short Descr | REVISION OF HUMERUS | Medium Descr | OSTEOPLASTY HUMERUS | Long Descr | Osteoplasty, humerus (eg, shortening or lengthening) (excluding 64876) | 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 | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; 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 | 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone |
| 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). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 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. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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