2025 CPT code 20910
Harvesting of costochondral cartilage graft.
Medical necessity for 20910 is determined by the need for a cartilage graft to repair or reconstruct a defect in another part of the body. The medical record should clearly document the condition requiring the graft and why costochondral cartilage is the appropriate graft material.
The physician is responsible for performing the surgical procedure, including making the incision, harvesting the cartilage graft, and closing the wound.
In simple words: This procedure involves taking a piece of cartilage from a rib to use for grafting in another area of the body.The rib bone is left in place, and only the cartilage is removed.
The procedure involves harvesting a costochondral cartilage graft. This typically includes making an incision over the rib area, exposing the cartilage, and carefully removing a piece of cartilage while leaving the bony portion of the rib intact.
Example 1: A patient with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder requires a cartilage graft to repair the damaged joint. The surgeon performs procedure 20910 to harvest costochondral cartilage for the graft., A patient with a large nasal defect due to trauma requires reconstructive surgery. The surgeon performs 20910 to harvest costochondral cartilage for the nasal reconstruction., A patient with tracheal damage requires a cartilage graft to repair the trachea. The surgeon performs procedure 20910 to obtain a costochondral cartilage graft for the tracheal repair.
Documentation should include the size and location of the cartilage graft harvested, the donor site location (typically rib), and the reason for the graft. Any complications encountered during the procedure should also be noted.
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital - Inpatient, Hospital - Outpatient