2025 CPT code 20692
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - General Introduction or Removal Procedures Musculoskeletal System Feed
Application of a multiplane external fixation system (e.g., Ilizarov, Monticelli type) to a unilateral area.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., modifier 59 for distinct procedural service, 76 for repeat procedure).Consult the CPT codebook and payer specific guidelines.
Medical necessity for CPT code 20692 is established when the patient has a fracture or other skeletal deformity that requires stabilization with an external fixator to promote healing and restore proper alignment.The choice of a multiplane system versus a uniplane system should be supported by the complexity of the fracture or deformity.
The orthopedic surgeon or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for the planning, execution, and post-operative care of the procedure. This includes assessing the patient, selecting the appropriate fixation system, placing the pins and wires, attaching the external fixator, and obtaining imaging to confirm proper placement.Post-operative care and follow-up adjustments to the device might also fall under the physician's responsibility.
In simple words: The doctor uses an external device to stabilize a broken bone on one side of the body.This device uses pins or wires inserted into the bone and connected to a frame outside the body to hold the bone in place while it heals.
This CPT code describes the application of a multiplane external fixation system to one side of the body.This involves the insertion of pins or wires into the bone in multiple planes, secured by an external frame to stabilize fractures or other skeletal deformities.Examples of such systems include the Ilizarov and Monticelli types. The procedure includes the insertion of pins or wires, attachment to the external frame, and radiological confirmation of proper placement.
Example 1: A patient presents with a complex, comminuted tibia fracture. The surgeon determines that an Ilizarov external fixator is necessary to stabilize the fracture and allow for bone healing. CPT code 20692 is used to bill for the application of the device., A patient sustains a multi-fragmentary fracture of the femur during a motor vehicle accident.After initial stabilization in the emergency department, the orthopedic surgeon decides to use a multiplane external fixation device to achieve adequate fracture reduction and allow for improved fracture healing.CPT code 20692 is reported., A patient with a Charcot foot deformity undergoes a Charcot reconstruction along with the application of a multiplane external fixation system to improve stability and facilitate healing.Note that modifier 59 should not be used unless the procedures are performed in separate sessions.
** Accurate coding requires careful review of the operative report to determine the type of external fixation system employed (uniplane vs. multiplane).
- Revenue Code: P6B (Minor Procedures - Musculoskeletal)
- RVU: The RVUs for CPT code 20692 vary based on geographic location, payer, and other factors.Consult your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for the most up-to-date information.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure is not explicitly defined in the CPT codebook.The length of the global period would need to be determined by the payer or local guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Technical component modifiers (TC) do not apply to this code.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data for CPT code 20692 can be obtained from various sources such as the Centers for MedicareMedicaid Services (CMS) or private payers.Data will vary by year and location.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center