2025 CPT code 20703

Removal of drug-delivery device(s), intramedullary. This code is used in conjunction with the primary procedure.

This is an add-on code and must be reported in addition to the primary procedure code. Report only once per anatomical site. If removal is the only procedure, use 20680. Not to be used with prefabricated drug devices.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the removal and the primary procedure.

Medical necessity for the removal must be supported by documentation. Reasons may include completion of antibiotic therapy, device malfunction, infection resolution, or the need for revision surgery.

With the patient prepped and under anesthesia for a primary procedure, the provider incises the skin and tissues over the previous insertion site of the intramedullary drug delivery device.The device is accessed and withdrawn from the bone canal. The provider then continues with the primary procedure, which includes closing the incision.

IMPORTANT Use 20680 for removal of an intramedullary drug-delivery device as a stand-alone procedure. Do not report 20703 in conjunction with 11982.

In simple words: The doctor removes a medicine-releasing device from inside your bone during another operation. This device was put in earlier to deliver medicine directly to the bone. The removal of the device is done as part of a larger procedure.

Removal of a previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device from the bone marrow canal of a bone during a primary procedure.This code is reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure.

Example 1: A patient undergoing a fracture fixation with an intramedullary rod also has removal of a previously placed antibiotic drug-delivery device., A patient undergoing a joint replacement requires removal of a previously inserted intramedullary drug delivery device., During a revision procedure for an infected bone, the surgeon removes the previously placed intramedullary antibiotic bead chain.

Documentation should include the type of drug delivery device removed, the location of removal (intramedullary), the primary procedure performed, and the medical necessity for both the removal and the primary procedure.

** Refer to CPT guidelines for a complete list of primary procedure codes that can be used with 20703.This code was introduced in CPT 2020.

  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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