How To Use CPT Code 20665

CPT code 20665 describes the removal of tongs or a halo that has been applied by another provider. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 20665?

CPT 20665 is used to describe the removal of tongs or a halo that has been applied by another provider. Halos and tongs are devices used to apply traction to correct spinal deformities such as scoliosis. The provider applies weighted traction to the halo or tongs over time until proper alignment of the bones is achieved. Once the desired outcome has been achieved, the provider removes the halo or tongs.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 20665 is: ‘Removal of tongs or halo applied by another individual.’

3. Procedure

When performing the removal of tongs or a halo, the patient should be appropriately prepped and anesthetized. The patient is placed in a supine position with the head at the extreme end of the bed. The provider then loosens and removes the screws and removes the halo or tongs device. If necessary, the provider may apply bone wax or dressing to the wounds to aid in healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 20665 is used when a different provider has applied the halo or tongs device and another provider is performing the removal. It is important to note that payer regulations treat members of the same group practice as the same provider for billing purposes. Therefore, if the halo or tongs were applied by another provider within the same practice, separate billing for the removal is not allowed.

5. When to use CPT code 20665

CPT code 20665 should be used when a provider is removing tongs or a halo that has been applied by another individual. It is important to ensure that the removal is being performed by a different provider than the one who applied the device. If the removal is being performed by the same provider who applied the device, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 20665, the provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation that the halo or tongs were applied by another individual
• Date and time of the removal procedure
• Details of the procedure, including any additional steps taken, such as the application of bone wax or dressing
• Signature of the provider performing the removal

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 20665, it is important to ensure that the removal is being performed by a different provider than the one who applied the halo or tongs. If the removal is being performed by the same provider, a different CPT code should be used. It is also important to note that subsequent removal of a traction device is typically included in the basic procedure and should not be reported separately. However, when a different provider is performing the removal, CPT code 20665 should be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT code 20665 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2013, with the description being updated to specify that the removal is performed by another physician.

9. Examples

1. A patient has a halo applied by one provider and another provider removes the halo after the desired outcome has been achieved.
2. A patient has tongs applied by one provider and another provider removes the tongs once the proper alignment of the bones has been achieved.
3. A patient undergoes a spinal correction procedure with the application of a halo by one provider. Another provider removes the halo once the desired outcome has been achieved.
4. A patient has tongs applied by one provider to correct a spinal deformity. Another provider removes the tongs after the bones have been properly aligned.
5. A patient undergoes a scoliosis correction procedure with the application of a halo by one provider. Another provider removes the halo once the desired outcome has been achieved.
6. A patient has tongs applied by one provider to correct a spinal deformity. Another provider removes the tongs after the bones have been properly aligned.
7. A patient undergoes a spinal correction procedure with the application of a halo by one provider. Another provider removes the halo once the desired outcome has been achieved.
8. A patient has tongs applied by one provider to correct a spinal deformity. Another provider removes the tongs after the bones have been properly aligned.
9. A patient undergoes a scoliosis correction procedure with the application of a halo by one provider. Another provider removes the halo once the desired outcome has been achieved.
10. A patient has tongs applied by one provider to correct a spinal deformity. Another provider removes the tongs after the bones have been properly aligned.