Summary & Overview
CPT 24140: Partial Excision/Debridement of Infected Humerus
CPT code 24140 represents a surgical procedure for partial excision and debridement of the humerus to remove localized infection. This code is used when infected bone is surgically scraped or partially removed to eradicate infection while preserving remaining humeral structure. As a procedure addressing osteomyelitis or focal bone infection of the humerus, it is clinically important for limb preservation, infection control, and prevention of systemic complications.
Key national payers considered include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and the procedural intent behind use of this code. The publication also outlines billing and documentation themes tied to surgical bone debridement, common modifier patterns encountered, and what to expect from payer coverage perspectives.
This article provides benchmarks and policy-relevant information for facility and professional billing teams, coding analysts, and clinical leaders seeking clarity on when CPT code 24140 applies, how it differentiates from broader excisional or reconstructive procedures of the arm, and the operational settings where the procedure is commonly performed. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 24140 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider performs partial excision and debridement of the humerus to remove infected bone tissue. This procedure involves scraping out or excising the infected portion of the humerus to free the bone from infection while preserving remaining viable bone.
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Service type: Surgical debridement / partial bone excision
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Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center, depending on clinical severity and patient factors.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult who presents with persistent shoulder pain, swelling, erythema, systemic signs of infection (fever, elevated white blood cell count), and imaging evidence (radiograph, MRI, or CT) of focal osteomyelitis or sequestrum within the proximal humerus. The patient often has failed an initial course of targeted intravenous antibiotics or has radiographic evidence of necrotic bone that serves as a nidus for ongoing infection. Common antecedent events include open fracture, penetrating injury, prior shoulder surgery, or hematogenous seeding in a patient with diabetes or immunocompromise.
The clinical workflow begins with emergency department or outpatient evaluation, laboratory testing (CBC, inflammatory markers), and imaging. Orthopedic or trauma surgery consultation is obtained. Preoperative optimization includes culture-directed antibiotics when possible, informed consent, and surgical planning. In the operating room under regional or general anesthesia, the surgeon exposes the infected humeral segment and performs debridement/partial cortical and cancellous bone removal (curettage) to eradicate infected and necrotic tissue. Intraoperative cultures and specimens are obtained. Wound management may include irrigation, placement of local antibiotic carriers, and consideration of staged procedures if reconstruction or hardware removal is required. Postoperatively the patient continues tailored intravenous antibiotics based on culture results, with outpatient infectious disease follow-up and wound checks. Typical recovery involves activity restrictions and serial monitoring of inflammatory markers until clinical resolution is achieved.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
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