20680 REMOVAL OF IMPLANT

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jrognon

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Hello,
Could use some assistance. I have a denied line item for 20680. Pt had previous surgery from femur neck fracture with implanted screw for stabilization from a previous provider and surgery 30 years ago. Pt fell and broke same femur.
Surgeon had to remove the previous hardware for stabilization of new fracture.
Can this CPT be billed separately from treatment? And are there modifiers that will help identify the need for this portion of the new surgery?
 
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Generally, no, it can't be reported separately unless it was a different anatomical area. If he removed in directly from the same area in the course of the ORIF or other procedure it would not be reported.


10. There are CPT codes (20670 and 20680) for removal of internal fixation devices (e.g., pin, rod). These codes are not separately reportable if the removal is performed as a necessary integral component of another procedure. For example, if revision of an open fracture repair for nonunion or malunion of bone requires removal of a previously inserted pin, CPT code 20670 or 20680 is not separately reportable.
Similarly, if a superficial or deep implant (e.g., buried wire, pin, rod) requires surgical removal (CPT codes 20670 and 20680), it is not separately reportable if it is performed as an integral part of another procedure.
 
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