CPT® Code 20240

Biopsy, bone, open; superficial (eg, sternum, spinous process, rib, patella, olecranon process, calcaneus, tarsal, metatarsal, carpal, metacarpal, phalanx)

An open bone biopsy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a small sample of bone tissue for pathological examination. This procedure is typically performed under either regional block or general anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort. The primary purpose of an open bone biopsy is to obtain a definitive diagnosis regarding various bone conditions. It is particularly useful in evaluating persistent bone pain or tenderness, confirming diagnoses suggested by other diagnostic tests, and investigating abnormalities detected through radiologic imaging. Additionally, this procedure helps differentiate between benign bone masses and malignant conditions such as bone cancer. It is also instrumental in diagnosing bone diseases or infections, including osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and osteomyelitis. During the procedure, a skin incision is made directly over the targeted area of the bone, and the incision is extended through the subcutaneous tissue and muscle until the bone is reached. A small segment of bone is then excised and sent to a laboratory for further analysis. To manage bleeding, any blood vessels encountered during the procedure are either tied off or cauterized. After the bone sample is collected, the surgical site is thoroughly cleansed, and the incision is sutured closed and bandaged to promote healing. The specific CPT® code for this procedure is 20240, which pertains to the open biopsy of superficial bones, including structures such as the sternum, spinous process, rib, patella, olecranon process, calcaneus, tarsal, metatarsal, carpal, metacarpal, and phalanx. For open biopsies of deeper bone structures, such as the humeral shaft, ischium, and femoral shaft, the appropriate code is 20245.