Summary & Overview
CPT 24138: Debridement of Abscessed Olecranon (Elbow)
CPT code 24138 denotes operative debridement of an abscessed olecranon process of the elbow with removal of necrotic bone to limit spread of infection. This procedure is clinically significant for orthopedic and surgical practices managing deep elbow infections, where timely debridement can prevent systemic spread and preserve joint function. Nationally, proper coding of this procedure affects utilization tracking, surgical case mix reporting, and facility reimbursement for operative orthopedics.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for this code, expected sites of service, and the typical service type. The publication also outlines benchmarking elements, coding considerations relevant to surgical debridement of the olecranon, and policy or billing updates that can affect claim adjudication. Practical implications for hospitals and surgical centers — including coding accuracy, documentation needs, and alignment with payer policies — are summarized to support administrative and clinical stakeholders.
Data not available in the input for specific associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, payer-specific coverage nuances, and service line detail.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 24138 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider enters the abscessed area of the olecranon process of the elbow and removes the necrotic portion of the bone to limit spread of infection. This procedure is an operative debridement of infected bone at the olecranon and is performed to control local infection and preserve surrounding tissue.
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Service type: Surgical debridement of bone (operative procedure)
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Typical site of service: Operating room or procedural suite, typically in an inpatient or outpatient surgical setting depending on clinical severity.
Data not available in the input for payers, associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and service line.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old male presents to the emergency department with increasing pain, erythema, and a fluctuant swelling over the posterior aspect of the right elbow after a small puncture wound 10 days prior. On exam the patient has fever, localized warmth, and a tender fluctuant mass over the olecranon tip consistent with an abscess. Plain radiographs and office ultrasound suggest subcutaneous abscess tracking to the olecranon with possible cortical bone involvement. The orthopedic surgeon evaluates the patient, obtains informed consent, and proceeds to the operating room for incision and drainage under regional block or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a posterior incision over the olecranon, debrides necrotic bone from the olecranon process, irrigates the wound, and places a drain or performs primary closure based on contamination. Intraoperative cultures are obtained and postoperative intravenous antibiotics are administered according to microbiology. Typical sites of service include the operating room in an acute care hospital or ambulatory surgery center for operative debridement; the procedure may also be performed in an emergency department procedure room for limited cases. Billing and documentation should support the extent of debridement, presence of osteomyelitis or necrotic bone, anesthesia type, laterality, and any complicating factors such as comorbid immunosuppression or gross contamination.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
RT | Right side | When procedure is performed on the right elbow/olecranon |