How To Use CPT Code 11982

CPT 11982 refers to the removal of a non-biodegradable drug delivery implant, and this article will cover its description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples.

1. What is CPT 11982?

CPT 11982 is a medical procedure code used to describe the removal of a non-biodegradable drug delivery implant. These implants are typically used for the long-term delivery of medications, such as antibiotics, contraceptives, or opioids. The code is used by healthcare providers to accurately document and bill for this specific procedure.

2. 11982 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 11982 is: “Removal, non-biodegradable drug delivery implant.”

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 11982 involves the following steps:

1. Administration of local anesthesia to numb the area around the implant site.
2. Making an incision over the site of the previously inserted implant.
3. Using scissors or mosquito forceps to carefully remove the non-biodegradable implant.
4. Closing the incision with a staple or suture.
5. Applying a bandaid or dressing to cover the incision site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 11982 services are those who have a non-biodegradable drug delivery implant that needs to be removed. This may be due to the implant reaching the end of its drug delivery period, complications arising from the implant, or a change in the patient’s medical condition or treatment plan that necessitates the removal of the implant.

5. When to use CPT code 11982

CPT code 11982 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the removal of a non-biodegradable drug delivery implant. This code is appropriate for billing purposes when the procedure is medically necessary and meets the qualifying circumstances outlined above.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 11982, healthcare providers must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the removal of the implant.
• Details of the implant, including the type of drug it contains and its location in the body.
• A description of the procedure performed, including the use of anesthesia and the method of removal.
• Any complications or difficulties encountered during the procedure.
• Post-procedure care instructions and follow-up plans.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 11982, healthcare providers should be aware of the following guidelines and rules:

• Check with the payer to see whether they prefer CPT 11982 or CPT 11976 for removal.
• Do not report CPT 11982 in conjunction with CPT 20701, CPT 20703, or CPT 20705, as these codes describe the removal of deep, intramedullary, or intra-articular drug-delivery devices.
• Ensure that all documentation requirements are met to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 11982 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 11982

Five similar codes to CPT 11982 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 11981: This code is used for the insertion of a non-biodegradable drug delivery implant, rather than its removal.
• CPT 11976: This code describes the removal of a contraceptive capsule or pellet, which may be preferred by some payers over CPT 11982.
• CPT 20701: This code is used for the removal of a deep, intramedullary drug-delivery device.
• CPT 20703: This code describes the removal of an intra-articular drug-delivery device.
• CPT 20705: This code is used for the removal of a subfascial drug-delivery device.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 11982 procedures:

1. Removal of a non-biodegradable contraceptive implant from a patient who wishes to become pregnant.
2. Removal of an antibiotic-releasing implant after the completion of a prescribed treatment course.
3. Removal of an opioid drug delivery implant due to a change in the patient’s pain management plan.
4. Removal of a non-biodegradable implant that has caused an infection at the insertion site.
5. Removal of an implant that has migrated from its original location and is causing discomfort or complications.
6. Removal of a non-biodegradable implant due to an allergic reaction to the drug it contains.
7. Removal of an implant that has reached the end of its drug delivery period and is no longer effective.
8. Removal of a non-biodegradable implant in preparation for a surgical procedure that requires its removal.
9. Removal of an implant that has malfunctioned and is not releasing the drug as intended.
10. Removal of a non-biodegradable implant at the patient’s request due to personal or medical reasons.