2025 CPT code 20700

Manual preparation and insertion of deep (e.g., subfascial) drug-delivery device(s).

This code should only be reported when the drug delivery device is manually prepared by the physician or qualified healthcare professional during the surgical procedure.The code should only be reported once per anatomic location, even if multiple devices are placed.Review the CPT guidelines to ensure appropriate pairing with a primary procedure code.

Modifiers may apply based on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., modifier 59 for distinct procedural service, modifier 76 for repeat procedure).

The medical necessity of code 20700 is established by the presence of active or suspected infection at the surgical site, or anticipation of post-operative infection.Documentation must clearly justify the need for the drug delivery device and its role in preventing or mitigating infection.

The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for preparing the drug delivery device, creating the necessary incisions and pocket, inserting the device, and ensuring hemostasis and proper wound closure.

IMPORTANT For removal of the device, report 20701. For intramedullary device insertion/removal, use 20702/20703. For intra-articular device insertion/removal, use 20704/20705.These are all add-on codes used with a primary procedure code.

In simple words: The doctor manually prepares and inserts a special device under the skin to deliver medicine, usually in cases of infection.This code is added to the main procedure code, not used alone.

This CPT code, 20700, represents the manual preparation and insertion of drug delivery devices into deep subfascial tissues.The procedure involves preparing the device, creating incisions and a pocket, inserting the device, and closing the wound. This code is an add-on code and must be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure.It's used when infection is present, suspected, or anticipated.

Example 1: A patient undergoes open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a fractured tibia. During the procedure, the surgeon suspects infection and uses code 20700 to add the manual preparation and insertion of a subfascial antibiotic delivery device., A patient with a deep wound infection requires debridement and subsequent placement of a subfascial antibiotic bead. The surgeon uses code 20700 along with the debridement code to report the insertion of the drug delivery device., During a total knee arthroplasty, the surgeon notes signs of infection. The surgeon performs the arthroplasty and adds on code 20700 to reflect the placement of a subfascial antibiotic delivery system.

Detailed operative report specifying the type of drug delivery device used, the location of insertion (subfascial), the technique used for insertion and wound closure, and any associated complications.Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses, as well as the medical necessity for the procedure, are also required.Images (if any were taken) showing the preparation and insertion of the device are important.

** This code is intended for use with open surgical procedures.The specific drug used in the delivery system is not coded separately.This code is an add-on code and should not be reported in isolation.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier does not typically apply to this code as it represents a component of the surgical procedure itself.
  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, General Surgery, Infectious Disease
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital
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