Summary & Overview
CPT 24105: Excision of Olecranon Bursa (Bursectomy)
CPT code 24105 denotes surgical excision of the olecranon bursa (bursectomy) and is used for treatment of symptomatic olecranon bursitis after conservative care has failed. The code captures a focused soft-tissue procedure that is commonly performed in ambulatory surgery centers or hospital operating rooms under regional or local anesthesia. Nationally, bursectomy procedures are relevant due to their role in resolving persistent pain, preventing recurrent fluid accumulation, and restoring elbow function when nonoperative management is ineffective.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a clinical and billing-focused overview of CPT code 24105, including service line context, typical sites of service, common modifiers (listed separately), and guidance on where this procedure fits in surgical care pathways. The publication highlights reimbursement benchmarks, utilization considerations, and policy updates that affect coverage and prior authorization practices for surgical bursectomy. It also provides clinical context about indications and care settings to support coding accuracy and billing consistency. Data not available in the input will be identified where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 24105 describes an excision of the olecranon bursa (bursectomy) performed to treat conditions such as symptomatic olecranon bursitis. This procedure is typically indicated when conservative measures have failed and involves surgical removal of the inflamed bursal sac.
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Service type: Surgical procedure, soft-tissue excision
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room, often performed under regional or local anesthesia with sedation when appropriate
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 54-year-old right-hand–dominant male with chronic refractory olecranon bursitis presents to the orthopedic clinic after six months of recurrent swelling, pain over the posterior elbow, and limited elbow extension despite conservative management. Prior treatments included activity modification, multiple courses of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspiration with fluid analysis, and one corticosteroid injection; symptoms recurred with persistent thickened bursal tissue and intermittent drainage. Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) demonstrates chronic fluid collection and bursal wall thickening without joint septic involvement. The surgeon schedules an operative excision of the olecranon bursa under regional block or general anesthesia in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department. Intraoperatively, the provider performs a bursectomy (24105) with careful hemostasis and layered wound closure; if an active infection or extensive skin compromise is encountered, additional wound management techniques may be documented. Postoperative workflow includes routine PACU recovery, short course antibiotics if indicated, wound care instructions, and follow-up for suture removal and functional rehabilitation as needed.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work or complexity substantially exceeds usual for and documentation supports additional work. |