Summary & Overview
CPT 24620: Closed Reduction and Splinting of Monteggia Elbow Fracture
CPT code 24620 denotes closed treatment of a Monteggia-type fracture-dislocation at the elbow involving manipulation to achieve reduction and application of a splint without incision. This code is important nationally as it captures non‑operative management of a distinct forearm/elbow injury that often presents emergently and has implications for acute care resource use, coding accuracy, and post‑reduction follow-up.
Key payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for CPT code 24620, guidance on typical sites of service, and the types of benchmarks and policy considerations that affect coverage and payment for closed fracture reductions. The publication outlines common coding and billing themes, payer coverage patterns, and opportunities for accurate claim submission to reduce denials. It also summarizes clinical considerations relevant to documentation, such as confirming manipulation and splint application, and the distinction between closed and operative fracture care.
Data not available in the input will be identified where applicable; the focus is national, intended for providers, billers, and policy analysts who need a practical summary of what CPT code 24620 represents and why it matters in acute musculoskeletal care.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 24620 describes closed treatment of a Monteggia-type fracture-dislocation of the elbow with manipulation to restore anatomical alignment and application of a splint to maintain the reduction. This procedure is a non‑operative fracture management technique performed by an orthopedic or emergency medicine provider.
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Service type: Closed manipulation and splinting of Monteggia fracture-dislocation
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Typical site of service: Emergency department, ambulatory surgical center, or hospital outpatient department where acute reduction and immobilization can be performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 28-year-old male presents to the emergency department after a fall from a bicycle with acute left elbow pain, visible deformity and limited range of motion. Radiographs confirm a Monteggia fracture-dislocation: proximal ulna shaft fracture with associated dislocation of the radial head. The orthopedic provider performs a closed reduction of the ulna fracture and manipulates the radial head into anatomic alignment without making an incision. After successful reduction confirmed by fluoroscopy, the provider applies a well-padded posterior splint and arranges short-term immobilization, pain control, neurovascular checks, and orthopedic follow-up for repeat imaging and possible definitive fixation if instability or loss of reduction occurs. Typical workflow includes initial assessment and imaging in the ED, informed consent for closed reduction, procedural sedation or local/regional anesthesia as indicated, fluoroscopic confirmation of reduction, splint application, post-procedure neurovascular exam, and discharge instructions with orthopedic clinic follow-up.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier — default status | Use when no specific modifier applies and service is billed as provided. |
11 |