AMA CPT® Assistant - 2008 Issue 2 (February)
Surgery: Musculoskeletal System (February 2008)
February 2008 page 8d Surgery: Musculoskeletal System, 20660 (Q&A) Question: What is the rationale for removing CPT code 20660, Application of cranial tongs, caliper, or stereotactic frame, including removal (separate procedure), from the list of modifier 51 exempt codes in Appendix E? Answer: Modifier 51 exempt codes are typically adjunctive or reported with other procedures. The amount of pre- and postservice time associated with modifier 51 exempt codes is minimal and the use of modifier 51 is to signify that a value reduction would be inappropriate. Since CPT code 20660 has the full amount of pre- and postservice...
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Article Overview
This article explains a February 2008 CPT Assistant question and answer focused on a musculoskeletal surgery coding change. It discusses why a CPT procedure code was removed from Appendix E, how that relates to the modifier 51 exempt list, and the role of CPT editorial policy in those updates. The piece is relevant to coders and billing staff who monitor CPT changes, modifier usage, and musculoskeletal surgery reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
Updates to modifier exemption lists can affect surgical coding edits and billing workflows. This article helps readers understand the policy context behind a CPT change so they can track coding updates accurately.
What You Will Learn
- The purpose of the February 2008 CPT Assistant Q&A
- How the article frames a change to the modifier 51 exempt list
- The policy bodies involved in the update
- Why this type of coding change matters for surgical reporting
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Compliance teams
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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