Summary & Overview
CPT 24545: Open Repair of Humerus Condylar Fracture
CPT code 24545 represents an open surgical procedure to treat fractures of the humerus through or above a condyle without extension between the condyles, typically performed as open reduction with possible internal fixation. This code is nationally relevant because humeral condylar fractures are commonly managed surgically when displaced or unstable, affecting orthopedic surgical workload, facility resource use, and payer reimbursement patterns.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context about the procedure, typical sites of service (hospital operating room and ambulatory surgery centers), and the procedural scope that drives coding and billing decisions. The publication also summarizes common modifiers associated with surgical services, notes where input data are not available, and outlines what to expect in benchmarking and policy considerations. Topics include typical clinical indications for open repair, procedural components that influence code selection, and operational implications for surgical practices and facilities.
Data not available in the input: associated taxonomies, specific ICD-10 diagnoses, payer-specific coverage rules, and related codes. The content is intended for a national audience seeking concise coding and clinical context for CPT code 24545.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 24545 describes an open treatment of a fracture of the humerus through or above a condyle, without extension between the condyles. The procedure involves a surgical incision in the upper arm to access the fracture site and may include internal fixation using hardware to stabilize bone fragments during healing.
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Service type: Open surgical fracture repair (open reduction and internal fixation)
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Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgery center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old male presents after a fall from a ladder with acute left distal humerus pain, swelling, visible deformity, and limited elbow motion. Radiographs and CT confirm a displaced supracondylar/condylar humeral fracture that does not extend between the medial and lateral condyles. The orthopedic trauma team evaluates the patient in the emergency department, obtains preoperative labs and medical clearance, and schedules an open reduction and internal fixation. In the operating room under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision over the distal humerus, performs fracture reduction, and applies internal fixation (plates/screws or pins) to stabilize the fracture. Postoperative care includes immobilization in a splint or cast, pain control, wound checks, and early supervised physical therapy to restore range of motion. Typical postoperative documentation includes operative report with fracture classification, fixation type, estimated blood loss, implants used, and immediate postoperative neurovascular status.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
LT | Left side | Use when the procedure is performed on the left humerus. |
RT | Right side |