December 2007 page 7a
Coding Communication:Surgery: Musculoskeletal System
Question: I reported CPT code 21453, Closed treatment of
mandibular fracture with interdental fixation, for a closed
treatment of mandibular fracture with interdental fixation using
arch bars. I am unable to locate a specific code for arch bar
removal. Can I report CPT code 20670, Removal of
implant; superficial (eg, buried wire, pin or rod) (separate
procedure), for the subsequent removal of the arch bars? Or is
there a more appropriate code that I should report?
Answer: It is appropriate to report code 20670 for arch bar
removal. Third-party payers may...
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articles:
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This article is a short CPT coding communication in the musculoskeletal surgery area. It addresses a reader question about reporting for a follow-up removal procedure after an initial mandibular fracture treatment and notes that payer-specific reporting requirements may affect modifier use. It is relevant to coders, billers, and compliance staff working with surgical follow-up care and global period reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers understand whether the article is worth reviewing for questions involving postoperative removal procedures, orthopedic/maxillofacial coding, and payer-specific billing expectations.
Article Sections
December 2007 page 7a
A short coding communication featuring a reader question and response related to a musculoskeletal surgery billing scenario. The section focuses on follow-up reporting considerations and payer guidance.
What You Will Learn
How the article frames a postoperative musculoskeletal surgery coding question
What general type of follow-up reporting issue is discussed
Why payer-specific requirements may be relevant to the scenario
Which broad coding topics are addressed in the communication
Who Should Read This
Medical coders
Billing specialists
Compliance staff
Revenue cycle professionals
Orthopedic and surgical coding staff
Codes Discussed
CPT: 21453
CPT: 20670
Modifiers Discussed
CPT: 58
CPT: 78
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