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Official Description

Closed treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, with or without intercondylar extension; without manipulation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 24530 refers to the closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, which may occur with or without intercondylar extension, and is performed without manipulation of the fracture fragments. A supracondylar fracture is characterized by its location just above the epicondyles of the humerus, while a transcondylar fracture extends through the epicondyles themselves. These fractures can also involve the intercondylar region, which includes critical anatomical structures such as the trochlea and olecranon fossa. The procedure typically begins with obtaining separate radiographs to confirm the presence and type of fracture. In this case, the focus is on nondisplaced fractures, meaning that the bone fragments have not shifted from their original position. A thorough neurovascular examination is conducted to assess the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the injury site, ensuring that there are no complications that could affect healing or function. Following the evaluation, the arm is immobilized using a long arm splint, which may later be replaced with a cast once any swelling has subsided. This method of treatment is crucial for promoting proper healing while minimizing the risk of further injury or complications.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, as described by CPT® Code 24530, is indicated for patients presenting with the following conditions:

  • Nondisplaced Fractures These fractures are characterized by the bone fragments remaining in their normal anatomical position, which allows for conservative treatment without the need for manipulation.
  • Supracondylar Fractures Fractures located just above the epicondyles of the humerus, which may occur due to falls or direct trauma to the elbow region.
  • Transcondylar Fractures Fractures that extend through the epicondyles, potentially affecting the joint's stability and function.
  • Intercondylar Extension Fractures that may extend into the intercondylar region, involving critical anatomical structures, which require careful evaluation and treatment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 24530 involves several key steps to ensure proper treatment of the fracture:

  • Step 1: Radiographic Confirmation The first step in the procedure is obtaining separate radiographs to confirm the diagnosis of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture. This imaging is essential to assess the fracture's characteristics and to rule out any displacement.
  • Step 2: Neurovascular Examination A thorough neurovascular examination is performed to evaluate the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels in the area surrounding the fracture. This assessment is crucial to identify any potential complications that could arise from the injury.
  • Step 3: Initial Immobilization Once the fracture is confirmed and the neurovascular status is assessed, the arm is immobilized using a long arm splint. This initial immobilization is vital to prevent further movement of the fracture fragments and to promote healing.
  • Step 4: Transition to Casting After the initial swelling has subsided, the long arm splint may be replaced with a cast. This transition helps to provide continued support and stabilization to the fracture site during the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as changes in neurovascular status or excessive swelling. Patients are typically advised to keep the affected arm elevated to reduce swelling and to follow up with their healthcare provider for regular assessments of healing. The duration of immobilization in a cast may vary depending on the individual patient's healing progress, but it is essential to ensure that the fracture heals properly before any return to normal activities or physical therapy is initiated.

Short Descr TREAT HUMERUS FRACTURE
Medium Descr CLTX SPRCNDYLR/TRANSCNDYLR HUMERAL FX W/WO MANJ
Long Descr Closed treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar humeral fracture, with or without intercondylar extension; without manipulation
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) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
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 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
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.
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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