How To Use CPT Code 20975

CPT 20975 describes the surgical implantation of a device that emits electrical impulses at the site of a broken bone to promote bone healing. 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 20975?

CPT 20975 is used to describe the surgical implantation of a device that emits electrical impulses at the site of a broken bone to promote bone healing. This code is used when a provider surgically places a deep electrode of an electrical stimulator device at the fracture site and connects it to an external power supply. The device is set to emit electrical pulses to stimulate healing of the fractured bone site.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 20975 is: ‘Electrical stimulation to aid bone healing invasive (operative).’ This code is used when the provider surgically implants a device that emits electrical impulses at the site of a broken bone to promote bone healing.

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 20975 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and the area is anesthetized.
2. The provider makes small incisions in the skin over the fracture site.
3. The provider places the deep electrode of an electrical stimulator device at the fracture site.
4. The provider connects the electrode to an external power supply.
5. The provider sets the device to emit electrical pulses to the electrode to stimulate healing of the fractured bone site.
6. The provider closes the small incisions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 20975 is used for patients who require surgical implantation of a device to promote bone healing. This code is specifically for invasive procedures that require an incision. It should not be used for noninvasive, nonoperative electrical stimulation to aid bone healing, which is reported with CPT code 20974.

5. When to use CPT code 20975

CPT code 20975 should be used when a provider surgically implants a device that emits electrical impulses at the site of a broken bone to promote bone healing. This code is appropriate when the procedure is invasive and requires an incision. If the procedure is noninvasive and does not require an incision, CPT code 20974 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 20975, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for surgical implantation of the device
• Details of the procedure, including the specific device used and the location of the fracture site
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 20975, ensure that the procedure is invasive and requires an incision. This code should not be reported for noninvasive procedures. It is important to use the appropriate code based on the specific procedure performed. If the procedure involves the placement of an external bone stimulator, CPT code 20974 should be used instead.

8. Historical information

CPT code 20975 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider surgically implants a device that emits electrical impulses at the site of a fractured tibia to promote bone healing.
2. A patient undergoes surgery for the implantation of an electrical stimulator device at the site of a broken wrist bone to aid in bone healing.
3. A provider performs a surgical procedure to implant a device that emits electrical impulses at the site of a fractured femur to promote bone healing.
4. A patient undergoes surgery for the implantation of an electrical stimulator device at the site of a broken ankle bone to aid in bone healing.
5. A provider surgically implants a device that emits electrical impulses at the site of a fractured humerus to promote bone healing.
6. A patient undergoes surgery for the implantation of an electrical stimulator device at the site of a broken collarbone to aid in bone healing.
7. A provider performs a surgical procedure to implant a device that emits electrical impulses at the site of a fractured fibula to promote bone healing.
8. A patient undergoes surgery for the implantation of an electrical stimulator device at the site of a broken hand bone to aid in bone healing.
9. A provider surgically implants a device that emits electrical impulses at the site of a fractured radius to promote bone healing.
10. A patient undergoes surgery for the implantation of an electrical stimulator device at the site of a broken foot bone to aid in bone healing.