How To Use CPT Code 20700

CPT 20700 describes the manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s) deep into the subfascial tissues. 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 20700?

CPT 20700 can be used to describe the manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s) deep into the subfascial tissues. This code is used when a healthcare provider manually prepares a drug delivery device for insertion and creates the necessary incisions and pocket for the device as part of a separate primary procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 20700 is: ‘Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), deep (eg, subfascial) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

1. Prior to the procedure, the healthcare provider prepares a drug delivery device for insertion.
2. The patient is appropriately prepped and under anesthesia for a primary procedure.
3. The provider makes an incision just above or below the pump location, or two opposing L-shaped incisions.
4. The provider dissects down through the subcutaneous tissues to the deep tissues and identifies the anterior rectus abdominis and external oblique fascia.
5. Using sharp and blunt dissection, the provider develops a plane between the fascial and muscle layers.
6. Any bleeders are cauterized, and tendinous connections between the two muscles are divided.
7. The pump is placed in the subfascial pocket after connecting it to an intrathecal catheter for drug administration.
8. Hemostasis is ensured, and the wound is closed in layers.
9. A bandage is applied, and an abdominal binder is placed around the abdomen over the incision and pump.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 20700 is used when a drug delivery device is manually prepared and inserted deep into the subfascial tissues. This procedure is typically performed as part of a separate primary procedure. It is important to note that CPT 20700 should not be reported in conjunction with services that include placement of a spacer.

5. When to use CPT code 20700

CPT code 20700 should be used when a healthcare provider manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues. This code is used in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It is important to review the documentation and guidelines to determine if CPT 20700 is appropriate for the specific case.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 20700, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Details of the primary procedure
• Description of the drug delivery device and its preparation
• Date and time of the procedure
• Incision location and technique
• Details of the dissection and identification of tissues
• Connection of the device to an intrathecal catheter
• Hemostasis and wound closure
• Application of bandage and abdominal binder
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 20700, ensure that the procedure involves the manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s) deep into the subfascial tissues. This code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It is important to review the guidelines and documentation requirements to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 20700 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2020. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient with cerebral palsy.
2. A surgeon manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient with spastic conditions.
3. A healthcare provider manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient with muscle spasms.
4. A surgeon manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient with a specific medical condition.
5. A healthcare provider manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient requiring drug administration.
6. A surgeon manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient with a spastic condition.
7. A healthcare provider manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient with muscle spasms.
8. A surgeon manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient with a specific medical condition.
9. A healthcare provider manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient requiring drug administration.
10. A surgeon manually prepares and inserts a drug delivery device deep into the subfascial tissues as part of a primary procedure for a patient with a spastic condition.