2025 CPT code 20705

Removal of intra-articular drug delivery device(s).Report separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure.

Report code 20705 only when removing an intra-articular drug delivery device.Consult CPT guidelines and specific instructions for use with appropriate primary procedure codes.Modifier 76 should be appended if the same physician or qualified healthcare professional performs a repeat procedure.

Modifiers 51, 76, and 59 may apply depending on the circumstances.Modifier 76 is appended when the same physician performs a repeat removal.Modifier 59 may be used if the removal is distinct from the primary procedure. Modifier 51 is for multiple procedures.

Removal of the intra-articular drug delivery system is medically necessary when the device has outlived its usefulness, caused complications, or needs removal for other reasons. The documentation must clearly justify the medical necessity.

The physician or qualified healthcare professional removes the drug delivery device after the primary procedure is completed. This requires surgical skill and knowledge of joint anatomy.

IMPORTANT Use 20705 with specific primary procedure codes (see guidelines for specific codes).Do not use with other specified codes (see guidelines for excluded codes). For implant removal after failed drug delivery device placement, see other specified codes.

In simple words: The doctor removes a small device from a joint that was used to deliver medicine. This is done as part of a bigger procedure, and the removal is billed separately.

This CPT code, 20705, represents the removal of one or more intra-articular drug delivery devices from a joint. This procedure is performed as part of a larger, separately reported primary procedure.The drug delivery system may consist of biocompatible and biodegradable microspheres, nanoparticles, or liposomes, encapsulating drugs such as corticosteroids or DMARDs for the treatment of conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The removal is a distinct service and must be reported in addition to the primary procedure code.

Example 1: A patient with osteoarthritis of the knee underwent a knee arthroscopy with debridement. During the procedure, an intra-articular corticosteroid delivery device previously implanted was removed. Code 20705 is reported in addition to the arthroscopy and debridement codes., A patient with rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist received an intra-articular injection of a DMARD encapsulated in liposomes.Months later, the device was removed during a subsequent wrist arthroscopy.Code 20705 is added to the arthroscopy codes., A patient with a history of post-traumatic arthritis underwent a total hip arthroplasty. During the procedure, a previously placed intra-articular drug delivery system was removed. Code 20705 is added to the total hip arthroplasty code.

Operative report detailing the removal of the intra-articular drug delivery device, including the type of device, location, and any complications.Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses, including imaging studies showing the device.Information about the primary procedure performed concurrently.

** This code is an add-on code and must be reported with a code for the primary procedure. The use of this code requires a clear understanding of NCCI edits and appropriate documentation.

  • Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier does not apply to this code because it is an add-on code.
  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Rheumatology
  • Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital
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