Summary & Overview
CPT 24147: Debridement of Infected Olecranon Process
CPT code 24147 represents surgical debridement of the olecranon process to remove infected bone and adjacent soft tissue. This targeted operative procedure addresses localized elbow infections that may involve necrotic bone and requires operative removal to control infection and promote healing. Nationally, the code is relevant to orthopedic and hand surgeons, hospital billing teams, and payers managing surgical infection care pathways. It is used to document and bill for operative management when conservative measures are insufficient.
Key payers covered in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an explanation of the clinical context for 24147, typical sites of service, and what documentation elements are commonly needed for surgical debridement procedures. The publication outlines benchmark considerations for utilization and reimbursement patterns, highlights relevant policy and coverage themes affecting surgical infection management, and summarizes coding nuances that can affect claim acceptance. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable. The content is intended to support coding accuracy, payer discussions, and operational planning for facilities and clinicians involved in operative treatment of olecranon infections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 24147 describes a surgical debridement procedure in which the provider removes the infected portion of the olecranon process by partially scraping or excising the area to free it from infection. The procedure is performed on the elbow at the olecranon, targeting localized infection or necrotic bone and surrounding soft tissue.
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Service type: Surgical debridement of the olecranon (operative removal of infected bone/soft tissue)
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Typical site of service: Operative setting such as an ambulatory surgical center or hospital operating room, depending on clinical severity and patient needs.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 55-year-old male presenting with chronic pain, swelling, and draining sinus over the posterior elbow after a history of trauma or persistent olecranon bursitis. Examination shows localized tenderness over the olecranon process with signs of chronic infection. Imaging (elbow radiographs ± CT) demonstrates cortical irregularity and focal bone loss of the olecranon consistent with localized osteomyelitis. The surgical workflow includes preoperative evaluation, informed consent, regional or general anesthesia, incision and exposure of the olecranon, curettage and debridement of infected bone (partial ostectomy of the olecranon process), irrigation, possible culture collection, hemostasis, and layered closure. Postoperative care includes antibiotics guided by intraoperative cultures, wound care, pain control, and follow-up with serial wound checks and imaging as indicated. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room. Service type is operative debridement/partial ostectomy of the olecranon for infection.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work required is substantially greater than typical for the procedure due to extensive debridement or complex exposure of the olecranon. |
23 |