August 2004 page 11a
Coding Consultation:Questions and Answers
Musculoskeletal System/Surgery, 20240 (Q&A)
Question
What is the appropriate code
to report for an incisional bone biopsy of
the sternum?
AMA Comment
From a CPT coding perspective,
code 20240, Biopsy, bone, open; superficial
(eg, ilium, sternum, spinous process, ribs, trochanter
of femur), is the appropriate code to report. Code
20240 was editorially revised for CPT 2004 to
clarify that it may be reported to describe an
excisional or an incisional biopsy because the
work involved in performing an incisional bone
biopsy is the same as that involved in performing
an...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This premium article presents a musculoskeletal surgery coding consultation in a question-and-answer format. It is centered on a CPT coding issue involving an open bone biopsy in the sternum area and discusses the 2004 editorial context from AMA CPT Assistant. The piece is useful for coders, auditors, and billing staff who need to understand the scope of the guidance and the code set discussed before consulting the full article.
Why This Topic Matters
Articles like this help readers determine whether a specific coding question falls within the guidance provided and whether the discussion is relevant to CPT-based musculoskeletal procedures. It also clarifies that the content is focused on a narrow consultation topic rather than a broad review of the specialty.
Article Sections
Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers
A brief consult-style discussion focused on a musculoskeletal surgery coding question and the related AMA response. The section is framed around CPT coding context and 2004 editorial background.
What You Will Learn
The article’s musculoskeletal surgery coding focus and Q&A format
The type of CPT-related consultation discussed
The general 2004 editorial context referenced in the guidance
Who may find the article relevant for coding review or audit support
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