2025 CPT code 20680

Removal of deep implant (e.g., buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail, rod, or plate).

Report 20680 only once per fracture site, regardless of the number of implants removed or incisions required for removal at that site.If hardware is removed from separate, unrelated fracture sites, 20680 may be reported for each site with modifier 59. Modifier 59 should be used to indicate a distinct procedural service. This may be necessary when removing hardware from different anatomical sites or for separate fractures. Do not report 20680 if only superficial implants are removed (e.g., buried wire, pin, or rod not requiring deep dissection). Use 20670 instead.

Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 59 may be appended to subsequent uses of 20680 if hardware removal is performed for other, unrelated fractures in different anatomical sites. Modifier 22 may be used for increased procedural services and modifier 51 for multiple procedures during the same session.

In simple words: This procedure removes metal hardware like screws, pins, rods, or plates that are deep under the skin and muscle, usually attached to the bone. The doctor will make a cut to reach the hardware, remove it, and then close the incision with stitches or staples.

Removal of a deeply embedded implant, such as a buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail, rod, or plate. This procedure typically involves deep dissection, often below the muscle level and within bone.The incision is repaired in multiple layers.

Example 1: A patient had a fractured tibia treated with an intramedullary nail and multiple screws.After healing, code 20680 is reported once for removal of all hardware related to the tibia fracture, regardless of the number of screws or incisions., A patient has plates and screws removed from both the right and left mandible through separate incisions. Code 20680 is reported twice, once for each side, with modifier 59 appended to one instance to indicate distinct procedural services., A patient with a previous ankle fracture and a separate wrist fracture undergoes removal of hardware from both sites. Code 20680 is reported twice, with modifier 59 appended to one instance to indicate that the procedures were performed on distinct anatomical sites.

Documentation should clearly identify the location of the implant(s) removed, the number of implants, the approach used (e.g., incision location(s)), and the complexity of the procedure. Operative reports should support the use of 20680 by describing deep dissection, typically below the muscle level, to access and remove the hardware.

  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Hand Surgery
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.