2025 CPT code 20982
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Other Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Musculoskeletal System Feed
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of one or more bone tumors, including adjacent soft tissue if involved by tumor extension; includes imaging guidance when performed.
Modifiers 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 50 (Bilateral Procedure), and 76 (Repeat Procedure or Service by the Same Physician) are examples of modifiers that may be applicable to CPT code 20982.Refer to the CPT manual and payer guidelines for complete modifier application rules.
Medical necessity for CPT code 20982 is typically established by the presence of a bone tumor causing significant pain or functional impairment that is not adequately managed by other means.The procedure should be considered medically necessary when it is expected to provide symptom relief or improve the patient's quality of life.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional performing the procedure is responsible for all aspects, including patient preparation, percutaneous needle insertion, radiofrequency energy application, monitoring, and post-procedure care.Imaging guidance, if used, also falls under their responsibility.
In simple words: This procedure uses heat to destroy bone tumors. A thin needle is inserted through the skin into the tumor. Heat is then applied to kill the cancer cells.Imaging may be used to guide the needle and ensure complete destruction of the tumor.
This procedure involves the percutaneous destruction of one or more bone tumors using radiofrequency ablation.The ablation targets the tumor and any adjacent soft tissue affected by tumor extension. Imaging guidance (e.g., CT) may be used. The procedure includes the introduction of a radiofrequency ablation electrode needle percutaneously into the bone tumor, application of radiofrequency energy to destroy the tumor, and closure of the incision.
Example 1: A 60-year-old male patient with metastatic bone cancer presents with a painful vertebral lesion. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the lesion is performed under CT guidance to alleviate pain and reduce tumor burden., A 45-year-old female with a single, small osteoid osteoma of the femur experiences significant nocturnal pain.Radiofrequency ablation is performed to destroy the tumor without major surgery., A 72-year-old patient with multiple bone metastases from a primary lung cancer exhibits intractable bone pain.Radiofrequency ablation is used as a palliative measure to reduce pain in multiple sites simultaneously.
* Thorough history and physical examination.* Pre-operative imaging studies (e.g., CT, MRI) clearly demonstrating the location and size of the bone tumor.* Intra-operative imaging to confirm needle placement and monitor ablation.* Post-operative imaging to assess treatment effectiveness.* Operative report describing the technique used, location and number of lesions treated, and any complications.* Pathology report, if tissue sampling was performed.
** Accurate coding requires detailed documentation of the procedure, including the type and number of tumors treated, the use of imaging guidance, and any complications encountered.Always consult the most recent CPT coding guidelines and payer-specific policies for the most accurate billing and reimbursement information.
- Revenue Code: P6C (MINOR PROCEDURES - OTHER)
- RVU: The Relative Value Units (RVUs) for CPT code 20982 are subject to change and vary based on geographic location and payer. Consult the current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and other payer-specific fee schedules for the most up-to-date information.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is not specified in the provided text.This requires consulting the specific payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier does not typically apply to CPT code 20982, as this is a surgical procedure performed by the physician. However, this depends on the specific billing arrangements and payer requirements.Consult with your billing specialist or payer for clarification.
- Fee Schedule: Medicare's initial non-facility payment rate for CPT code 20982 was $4,262.87 and the facility rate was $408.47, both effective January 1, 2004. These rates have since been updated; refer to the current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the latest reimbursement rates.
- Specialties:Oncology, Radiology, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center