Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 24200: Subcutaneous Foreign Body Removal to Fascia

CPT code 24200 denotes surgical removal of a subcutaneous foreign body with incision carried to the level of fascia. This procedure is used when a foreign object lodged beneath the skin requires operative extraction that extends to, but does not penetrate, the fascial layer. Nationally, proper coding of this service affects claims processing, site-of-service designation, and expected cost-sharing for patients who present with embedded foreign bodies.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines payer coverage considerations, typical allowed service settings, and common billing practices related to minor outpatient surgical removal of foreign bodies.

Readers will learn the clinical context for using CPT code 24200, where the procedure is commonly performed (outpatient clinic, ambulatory surgery center, emergency department), and which elements of documentation support correct reporting. The summary highlights expected policy topics such as definitions of subcutaneous versus deeper removals, distinctions from procedures that involve tendon or joint structures, and how service location can influence reimbursement. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable, and the report does not recommend clinical actions but provides an operational overview useful for coding, billing, and compliance staff.

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 24200 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 24200 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 24200 describes an incision and removal of a subcutaneous foreign body down to the level of fascia. The procedure involves making an incision through the subcutaneous layer of the skin to extract a foreign object that lies beneath the skin but superficial to the underlying muscle fascia.

Service type: Minor surgical procedure — foreign body removal, subcutaneous, to fascia

Typical site of service: Outpatient clinic, ambulatory surgery center, or emergency department

Explore openpayer tools

View all tools

Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 24200: Subcutaneous Foreign Body Removal to Fascia

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 24200 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 24200 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

Service type: Minor surgical procedure — foreign body removal, subcutaneous, to fascia

Typical site of service: Outpatient clinic, ambulatory surgery center, or emergency department

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is a 28-year-old construction worker who presents to an urgent care clinic after sustaining a puncture wound to the forearm from a metal fragment. The patient reports localized pain, mild erythema, and inability to palpate the foreign object beneath the skin. Physical exam demonstrates a small puncture with a palpable subcutaneous foreign body near the antecubital region without signs of deep structural injury. Plain radiographs confirm a radiopaque fragment superficial to the fascia. The provider discusses that removal in a procedure room under local anesthesia is appropriate.

The clinical workflow includes triage and wound assessment, informed consent, time-out, sterile prep and local anesthesia (e.g., lidocaine), a small incision through the subcutaneous tissue, blunt and sharp dissection down to the level of the fascia to locate and remove the foreign body, irrigation, hemostasis, and wound closure. Post-procedure instructions address tetanus status, wound care, signs of infection, and documentation of the removed object. If the foreign body is deeper than fascia or involves tendon/nerve/vessel injury, escalation to the operating room and different coding would be required.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`25`	Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure	Use when a distinct E/M visit is performed on the same day as `24200` and is not included in the procedure service
`26`	Professional component	Use when reporting only the professional component of a service when applicable (e.g., if imaging interpretation is billed separately)
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when identical foreign body removals are performed on bilateral anatomic sites during the same session
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when `24200` is one of multiple distinct procedures performed during the same operative session (check payer bundling rules)
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or discontinued at the physician’s discretion
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure is started but discontinued due to extenuating circumstances or complications prior to completion
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use to indicate a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services on the same day (e.g., separate anatomic site)
`76`	Repeat procedure or service by same physician	Use if the same procedure is repeated by the same provider during the post-operative period or same encounter (note: `76` not listed in raw modifiers; when absent, use closest applicable modifier from the list provided)
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use for reoperation related to complications of the initial `24200` in the global period
`79`	Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the post-operative period	Use when an unrelated procedure is performed during the global period (note: `79` not in provided list; do not report if not applicable)
`LT`	Left side	Use to indicate the left anatomical side when laterality is required
`RT`	Right side	Use to indicate the right anatomical side when laterality is required

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207L00000X	Orthopaedic Surgery	Commonly removes deep soft tissue foreign bodies of the extremities
2080P0005X	Emergency Medicine	Frequently performs bedside foreign body removals in urgent settings
208000000X	Family Medicine	Performs minor procedures such as subcutaneous foreign body removal in clinic or urgent care
207Q00000X	Plastic Surgery	Used when cosmetic or complex soft tissue reconstruction is anticipated
208100000X	General Surgery	Involved when deeper exploration or operative management is required

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`T14.8`	Other injury of unspecified body region	General placeholder when a specific wound or foreign body location is not otherwise specified; may be used in acute foreign body presentations
`S61.202A`	Puncture wound without foreign body of left hand, initial encounter	Used when the encounter involves a puncture wound to the hand; adjust laterality and site as appropriate when a retained foreign body is present
`S61.201A`	Puncture wound without foreign body of right hand, initial encounter	Similar to above for right-sided hand injuries; select appropriate laterality
`W21.01XA`	Struck by thrown, projected or falling object, initial encounter	Mechanism codes can accompany injury diagnoses to describe how the foreign body was introduced
`S91.301A`	Puncture wound without foreign body of right foot, initial encounter	Foot puncture diagnoses are common when stepping on foreign objects that penetrate to subcutaneous tissue

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`10120`	Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; simple	Performed for small, superficial foreign bodies limited to the dermis/subcutaneous tissue (may be an alternative to `24200` when removal does not require dissection to fascia)
`10121`	Incision and removal of foreign body, complicated; requiring removal of foreign body embedded to level of deep tissue, e.g., muscle, tendon, or bone	Used when foreign body extends beyond fascia into deeper structures—more extensive than `24200`
`12001`	Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, arms, or legs; 2.5 cm or less	May be billed when primary closure after foreign body removal requires simple repair of a small laceration
`12032`	Intermediate repair, scalp, arms, or legs; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm	Applicable when wound closure after removal requires layered closure beyond a simple repair
`73030`	Radiologic examination, forearm; 1 view	Commonly used pre-procedure to localize radiopaque foreign bodies prior to performing `24200`
`99024`	Postoperative follow-up visit global period	Used by some payers to denote routine post-operative follow-up within the global period when separately reportable per payer policy

CPT 24160: Removal of Elbow Prosthesis, Humeral and Ulnar Components

CPT-24164-ELBOW-PROSTHESIS-REMOVAL-RADIAL-COMPONENT

CPT 24164: Removal of Elbow Prosthesis With Radial Component

CPT-24201-DEEP-MUSCLE-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

CPT 24201: Removal of Deep (Subfascial/Intra‑muscular) Foreign Body

CPT-24220-ELBOW-ARTHROGRAPHY-CONTRAST-INJECTION

CPT 24220: Elbow Arthrography with Contrast Injection

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Explore openpayer tools

View all tools

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`25`	Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure	Use when a distinct E/M visit is performed on the same day as `24200` and is not included in the procedure service
`26`	Professional component	Use when reporting only the professional component of a service when applicable (e.g., if imaging interpretation is billed separately)
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when identical foreign body removals are performed on bilateral anatomic sites during the same session
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when `24200` is one of multiple distinct procedures performed during the same operative session (check payer bundling rules)
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or discontinued at the physician’s discretion
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure is started but discontinued due to extenuating circumstances or complications prior to completion
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use to indicate a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services on the same day (e.g., separate anatomic site)
`76`	Repeat procedure or service by same physician	Use if the same procedure is repeated by the same provider during the post-operative period or same encounter (note: `76` not listed in raw modifiers; when absent, use closest applicable modifier from the list provided)
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use for reoperation related to complications of the initial `24200` in the global period
`79`	Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the post-operative period	Use when an unrelated procedure is performed during the global period (note: `79` not in provided list; do not report if not applicable)
`LT`	Left side	Use to indicate the left anatomical side when laterality is required
`RT`	Right side	Use to indicate the right anatomical side when laterality is required

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207L00000X	Orthopaedic Surgery	Commonly removes deep soft tissue foreign bodies of the extremities
2080P0005X	Emergency Medicine	Frequently performs bedside foreign body removals in urgent settings
208000000X	Family Medicine	Performs minor procedures such as subcutaneous foreign body removal in clinic or urgent care
207Q00000X	Plastic Surgery	Used when cosmetic or complex soft tissue reconstruction is anticipated
208100000X	General Surgery	Involved when deeper exploration or operative management is required

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`T14.8`	Other injury of unspecified body region	General placeholder when a specific wound or foreign body location is not otherwise specified; may be used in acute foreign body presentations
`S61.202A`	Puncture wound without foreign body of left hand, initial encounter	Used when the encounter involves a puncture wound to the hand; adjust laterality and site as appropriate when a retained foreign body is present
`S61.201A`	Puncture wound without foreign body of right hand, initial encounter	Similar to above for right-sided hand injuries; select appropriate laterality
`W21.01XA`	Struck by thrown, projected or falling object, initial encounter	Mechanism codes can accompany injury diagnoses to describe how the foreign body was introduced
`S91.301A`	Puncture wound without foreign body of right foot, initial encounter	Foot puncture diagnoses are common when stepping on foreign objects that penetrate to subcutaneous tissue

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`10120`	Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; simple	Performed for small, superficial foreign bodies limited to the dermis/subcutaneous tissue (may be an alternative to `24200` when removal does not require dissection to fascia)
`10121`	Incision and removal of foreign body, complicated; requiring removal of foreign body embedded to level of deep tissue, e.g., muscle, tendon, or bone	Used when foreign body extends beyond fascia into deeper structures—more extensive than `24200`
`12001`	Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, arms, or legs; 2.5 cm or less	May be billed when primary closure after foreign body removal requires simple repair of a small laceration
`12032`	Intermediate repair, scalp, arms, or legs; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm	Applicable when wound closure after removal requires layered closure beyond a simple repair
`73030`	Radiologic examination, forearm; 1 view	Commonly used pre-procedure to localize radiopaque foreign bodies prior to performing `24200`
`99024`	Postoperative follow-up visit global period	Used by some payers to denote routine post-operative follow-up within the global period when separately reportable per payer policy

CPT 24160: Removal of Elbow Prosthesis, Humeral and Ulnar Components

CPT-24164-ELBOW-PROSTHESIS-REMOVAL-RADIAL-COMPONENT

CPT 24164: Removal of Elbow Prosthesis With Radial Component

CPT-24201-DEEP-MUSCLE-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

CPT 24201: Removal of Deep (Subfascial/Intra‑muscular) Foreign Body

CPT-24220-ELBOW-ARTHROGRAPHY-CONTRAST-INJECTION

CPT 24220: Elbow Arthrography with Contrast Injection

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

CPT 24200: Subcutaneous Foreign Body Removal to Fascia

Sign up for cpt 24200 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

OpenPayer

CPT 24200: Subcutaneous Foreign Body Removal to Fascia

Sign up for cpt 24200 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References