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Electrical stimulation to aid bone healing, as described by CPT® Code 20975, refers to an invasive procedure designed to enhance the healing process of bones that may not heal properly under normal circumstances. While bone typically heals effectively on its own, certain conditions can impede this natural process. For instance, inadequate blood circulation to the bone fragments or the presence of scar tissue at the fracture site can compromise healing. In such cases, electrical stimulation serves as a therapeutic intervention to promote bone healing. This invasive technique differs from noninvasive methods, such as pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, where devices are applied externally to the skin or incorporated into casts. Instead, CPT® Code 20975 involves the direct placement of cathodes into the bone at the fracture site, usually performed during a separate operative procedure aimed at treating the fracture. These cathodes are connected to a small implanted generator that delivers a low-voltage alternating current, effectively stimulating the healing process at the cellular level. This method is particularly beneficial in cases where traditional healing may be insufficient, providing a targeted approach to enhance recovery and restore bone integrity.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 20975 is indicated for specific circumstances where normal bone healing is compromised. The following conditions may warrant the use of this invasive electrical stimulation technique:
The procedure for CPT® Code 20975 involves several critical steps to ensure effective electrical stimulation for bone healing. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Following the procedure associated with CPT® Code 20975, patients may require specific post-operative care to ensure optimal recovery. This includes monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, managing pain, and following up with imaging studies to assess the healing process. Patients are typically advised on activity restrictions to avoid stressing the fracture site during the initial healing phase. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the electrical stimulation and to make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Additionally, patients may be instructed on rehabilitation exercises to promote mobility and strength as healing progresses.
| Short Descr | ELECTRICAL BONE STIMULATION | Medium Descr | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION BONE HEALING INVASIVE | Long Descr | Electrical stimulation to aid bone healing; invasive (operative) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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