How To Use CPT Code 20703
CPT 20703 describes the removal of a previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device from the bone marrow canal of a bone as part of a primary procedure. This code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure. In this article, we will cover the official description of CPT code 20703, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of when to use CPT code 20703.
1. What is CPT Code 20703?
CPT code 20703 is used to describe the removal of a previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device from the bone marrow canal of a bone. This procedure is performed as part of a primary procedure and should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 20703 is: “Removal of drug-delivery device(s), intramedullary (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).” It is important to note that this code should be used in conjunction with specific primary procedure codes, as listed in the notes section.
3. Procedure
The procedure for CPT code 20703 involves the removal of a previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device from the bone marrow canal of a bone. The provider begins by making an incision in the skin and tissues over the end of the bone where previous incisions were made to insert the device. Once the bone is exposed, the provider accesses the drug delivery device and carefully withdraws it from the bone canal. After the removal of the device, the provider proceeds with the primary procedure, which may include closing the incision in layers.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT code 20703 is used when a previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device needs to be removed as part of a primary procedure. This code should be reported when the removal of the device is necessary and performed by a healthcare professional. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with code 11982 and should only be used when the removal of the device is a separate and distinct procedure from the primary procedure.
5. When to use CPT code 20703
CPT code 20703 should be used when a previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device needs to be removed as part of a primary procedure. This code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It is important to review the specific primary procedure codes and the notes associated with CPT code 20703 to ensure accurate reporting.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT code 20703, the healthcare professional must document the following information:
– Patient’s medical history and the need for the removal of the intramedullary drug delivery device
– Description of the primary procedure performed
– Date and time of the device removal
– Details of the procedure, including the incision site and technique used for removal
– Any complications or additional procedures performed during the device removal
– Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT code 20703, it is important to ensure that the removal of the intramedullary drug delivery device is performed as part of a primary procedure. This code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It should not be reported in conjunction with code 11982. It is also important to review the specific primary procedure codes and any additional guidelines or notes associated with CPT code 20703 to ensure accurate reporting.
8. Historical information
CPT code 20703 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2020. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.
9. Similar codes to CPT 20703
There are several similar codes to CPT code 20703 that are used for different types of drug delivery device removal procedures. These include:
– CPT 20700: Insertion of subfascial drug delivery device
– CPT 20701: Removal of subfascial drug delivery device
– CPT 20704: Insertion of intra-articular drug delivery device
– CPT 20705: Removal of intra-articular drug delivery device
It is important to review the specific documentation and guidelines for each code to ensure accurate reporting.
9. Examples
Here are some examples of when CPT code 20703 may be used:
1. A patient undergoes a primary procedure for fracture fixation with an intramedullary rod. During the procedure, the previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device is removed from the bone marrow canal.
2. A patient undergoes a primary procedure for joint replacement. As part of the procedure, the healthcare professional removes the previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device from the bone marrow canal.
3. A patient undergoes a primary procedure for bone tumor resection. During the procedure, the healthcare professional removes the previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device from the bone marrow canal.
4. A patient undergoes a primary procedure for bone grafting. As part of the procedure, the healthcare professional removes the previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device from the bone marrow canal.
5. A patient undergoes a primary procedure for osteotomy. During the procedure, the healthcare professional removes the previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device from the bone marrow canal.
It is important to review the specific documentation and guidelines for each case to ensure accurate reporting of CPT code 20703.
