2025 CPT code 11976
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Introduction or Removal Procedures Integumentary System Feed
Removal of implantable contraceptive capsules.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 51 for multiple procedures if more than one capsule is removed, 22 for increased procedural services if the removal is unusually complex, etc.).
Removal of the contraceptive implant is medically necessary when the patient desires discontinuation of the contraceptive method, experiences side effects, or when the implant has migrated or is malfunctioning.
The physician is responsible for administering local anesthesia, making the incision, removing the capsule(s) using appropriate instruments, closing the incision, and applying a dressing. Post-operative care instructions should also be provided to the patient.
- Integumentary System
- Surgery > Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System > Introduction or Removal Procedures
In simple words: This code covers the removal of small capsules placed under the skin of the arm to prevent pregnancy.A doctor makes a tiny cut, takes out the capsule, and closes the cut.
This CPT code describes the surgical removal of previously implanted contraceptive capsules (e.g., etonogestrel implants like Implanon or Nexplanon) from the subdermal tissue of the patient's arm. The procedure typically involves local anesthesia, a small incision at the implant site, extraction of the capsule(s) using forceps, closure of the incision, and application of a bandage.
Example 1: A 30-year-old female patient presents for removal of her Implanon contraceptive implant after three years of use. The implant is easily palpable and removed without complication., A 25-year-old female patient presents for removal of her Nexplanon implant due to side effects. The implant is difficult to palpate, requiring careful dissection to locate and remove., A 35-year-old female patient presents for removal of a migrated contraceptive implant. The implant is located using ultrasound guidance before removal.The physician will need to document the location of the implant in the pre-operative notes. They need to use appropriate imaging code to document the use of ultrasound.
* Patient history, including reason for removal and duration of implant use.* Description of the procedure, including the technique used and any complications encountered.* Documentation of the implant's removal and proper disposal.* Note if any imaging guidance was used (ultrasound, x-ray).Appropriate imaging codes need to be used if imaging was necessary to locate the implant.* Post-operative instructions provided to the patient.
** This code applies to the removal of subdermal contraceptive implants.It does not include the insertion of a new implant. If both removal and insertion are performed, code 11976 for removal and the appropriate code for insertion are needed.
- Revenue Code: P6A (Minor Procedures - Skin)
- RVU: Refer to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for current reimbursement rates.These vary by geographic location and other factors.
- Global Days : The global period is not explicitly defined for this code. It's considered a minor procedure with a short recovery period.Consult your local payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier may be applicable depending on the payer and the physician's role.Consult payer-specific guidelines.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data can be obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website or other relevant sources.This data will vary based on the year and region.
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgery Center