AMA CPT® Assistant - 2007 Issue 12 (December)
Surgery: Musculoskeletal System (December 2007)
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...
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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
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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
Modifiers Discussed
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