How To Use CPT Code 20670

CPT 20670 refers to the removal of a superficial implant, such as a buried wire, pin, or rod, 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 20670?

CPT 20670 is a medical procedure code used to describe the removal of a superficial implant, such as a buried wire, pin, or rod. This code is utilized by medical coders and billers to accurately document and bill for this specific procedure. The removal of the implant is typically performed once the patient’s injury or deformity has healed, and the implant is no longer necessary for maintaining proper alignment of the affected skeletal parts.

2. 20670 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 20670 is: “Removal of implant; superficial (eg, buried wire, pin or rod) (separate procedure)”.

3. Procedure

The 20670 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped, and the area around the implant is anesthetized.
2. The provider makes a small incision over the site of the implant.
3. The implant is removed by pulling it out (in the case of a wire) or unscrewing it if the implant is threaded.
4. The wound is closed with adhesive strips or simple sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 20670 services are those who have previously undergone a surgical procedure to insert a superficial implant, such as a buried wire, pin, or rod, to treat a skeletal deformity or injury. The implant must have served its purpose in maintaining proper alignment of the affected skeletal parts, and the patient’s injury or deformity must have healed sufficiently to warrant the removal of the implant. The provider must determine that the removal of the implant is medically necessary and appropriate for the patient’s specific situation.

5. When to use CPT code 20670

It is appropriate to bill the 20670 CPT code when a provider performs the removal of a superficial implant, such as a buried wire, pin, or rod, following the healing of the patient’s injury or deformity. The code should be used only when the removal procedure is performed as a separate procedure and not in conjunction with another surgical procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 20670, the following information should be documented in the patient’s medical record:

• A detailed description of the patient’s injury or deformity that required the insertion of the implant.
• The date and details of the initial surgical procedure to insert the implant.
• Evidence of the patient’s healing progress, such as follow-up visits and imaging studies.
• A clear indication that the removal of the implant is medically necessary and appropriate for the patient’s specific situation.
• A detailed description of the 20670 procedure, including the type of implant removed, the method of removal, and the closure technique used.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 20670, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules to ensure accurate reimbursement. Some tips and guidelines for billing this code include:

• Ensure that the documentation in the patient’s medical record supports the medical necessity of the implant removal procedure.
• Bill the 20670 CPT code as a separate procedure, not in conjunction with another surgical procedure.
• Be aware of any payer-specific requirements or guidelines for billing this code.
• Consider any applicable modifiers that may be necessary to accurately describe the specific circumstances of the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 20670 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2008, with the previous descriptor being “Removal of implant; superficial, (eg, buried wire, pin or rod) (separate procedure)”.

9. Similar codes to CPT 20670

Five similar codes to CPT 20670 and how they differentiate from CPT 20670 are:

1. CPT 20680: This code is used for the removal of a deep implant, such as a buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail, rod, or plate, and typically involves a more complex, layered closure.
2. CPT 20605: This code is used for the aspiration or injection of a small joint or bursa, such as a finger or toe joint.
3. CPT 20610: This code is used for the aspiration or injection of a major joint or bursa, such as a shoulder or knee joint.
4. CPT 20612: This code is used for the aspiration or injection of a ganglion cyst.
5. CPT 20615: This code is used for the aspiration or injection of a bone cyst.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 20670 procedures:

1. A patient with a healed wrist fracture has a superficial Kirschner wire removed from the wrist.
2. A patient with a healed ankle fracture has a superficial Steinmann pin removed from the ankle.
3. A patient with a healed finger fracture has a buried wire removed from the finger.
4. A patient with a healed forearm fracture has a superficial intramedullary rod removed from the forearm.
5. A patient with a healed tibia fracture has a superficial external fixator pin removed from the tibia.
6. A patient with a healed elbow dislocation has a superficial tension band wire removed from the elbow.
7. A patient with a healed clavicle fracture has a superficial Knowles pin removed from the clavicle.
8. A patient with a healed foot fracture has a superficial threaded pin removed from the foot.
9. A patient with a healed humerus fracture has a superficial Rush rod removed from the humerus.
10. A patient with a healed femur fracture has a superficial Ender nail removed from the femur.