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CPT 24515: Open Fixation of Humeral Shaft Fracture
CPT code 24515 denotes open surgical fixation of a humeral shaft fracture using internal hardware such as wires, screws, and possible cerclage wiring. This operative orthopedic code is nationally relevant because fractures of the humeral shaft are common traumatic injuries that require definitive fixation to restore arm function and prevent complications. Coverage and payment for operative fixation affect hospital, ambulatory surgery center, and orthopedic practice workflows and finances across payers.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical framing of the procedure, typical sites of service, and the common procedural context for billing. The publication outlines payer coverage patterns, coding and billing considerations tied to procedure complexity, and commonly reported modifiers associated with surgical services. It also provides benchmarking context and notes on documentation elements relevant to claim adjudication.
This summary serves providers, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a compact reference on what CPT code 24515 represents, where it is typically performed, and what to expect from major commercial and government payers at a national level.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 24515 describes an open surgical treatment of a humeral shaft fracture. The procedure involves a surgical incision over the upper arm to expose the fractured humerus, followed by internal fixation using wires and screws; a cerclage technique (encircling the bone with wire) may be employed.
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Service type: Open internal fixation of humeral shaft fracture
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Typical site of service: Operating room or ambulatory surgery center for orthopedic surgery