Summary & Overview
CPT 24341: Repair of Tendon or Muscle Wound, Upper Arm/Elbow
CPT code 24341 denotes surgical repair of tendon or muscle wounds in the upper arm or elbow. This code captures operative management aimed at restoring continuity and function of injured tendons or muscle tissue in the proximal forelimb and is commonly used in trauma, sports medicine, and orthopedic surgical practices. Accurate coding for this procedure is important for appropriate clinical documentation, quality measurement, and reimbursement for complex soft-tissue repairs performed in acute and elective settings.
Key national payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of billing considerations, coding context, and common settings where the procedure is performed. The publication provides benchmarks for utilization patterns, payer coverage notes, and clinical context relevant to surgical tendon and muscle repair at the elbow and upper arm.
The report highlights where CPT code 24341 fits within surgical service lines and typical sites of service, summarizes common modifier usage and payer considerations (Data not available in the input for payer-specific rule sets), and outlines practical documentation elements that support accurate reporting. The content is designed for billing professionals, surgical providers, and policy analysts seeking a concise national perspective on coding and use of CPT code 24341.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 24341 describes repair of tendon or muscle wound in the upper arm or elbow. The procedure involves surgical exploration and primary repair of torn or lacerated tendons or muscle tissue in the proximal forelimb area.
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Service type: Surgical tendon/muscle repair
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Typical site of service: Hospital inpatient or outpatient surgical suite, ambulatory surgery center, or emergency department when applicable
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 32-year-old manual laborer who presents to the emergency department after a deep laceration to the distal upper arm just proximal to the elbow from a workplace accident. The patient has loss of active wrist extension and focal tenderness over a ruptured extensor or flexor tendon; neurovascular exam is intact. After initial triage, wound irrigation, tetanus update, and local/regional anesthesia are provided, the patient is evaluated by an orthopedic or hand surgeon. Imaging (plain radiographs) excludes bony injury. The surgeon determines the tendon injury requires operative repair and schedules an urgent primary tendon repair under regional block or general anesthesia. Intraoperatively, the provider identifies and debrides the tendon ends and performs a layered tendon repair with appropriate suture technique and immobilization (splint or cast) applied postoperatively. Postoperative workflow includes recovery monitoring, discharge with instructions for wound care and immobilization, and early hand therapy referral for staged rehabilitation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
RT | Right side | When the repaired tendon is on the right upper extremity |
LT | Left side |