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Official Description

Removal with reinsertion, non-biodegradable drug delivery implant

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 11983 refers to the procedure of removing a non-biodegradable drug delivery implant and reinserting a new one. Drug delivery implants are medical devices designed to release medication at a controlled rate over a specified period. Unlike bioresorbable or biodegradable implants, which are absorbed by the body and do not require removal, non-biodegradable implants must be manually extracted after their therapeutic effect has been achieved. The procedure involves a series of steps that ensure the safe removal of the existing implant and the precise placement of a new one. The implants are typically cylindrical in shape and are inserted using a specialized device provided by the manufacturer. The insertion site is carefully selected, often on the inner aspect of the upper arm, and is prepared with antiseptic measures. A local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure. The process requires a small incision through which the implant is inserted or removed, and it is crucial for the physician to confirm the correct positioning of the implant post-insertion. This procedure is essential for patients who require ongoing medication delivery and ensures that the therapeutic benefits of the drug are maintained through the use of a new implant.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 11983 is indicated for patients who require the removal of a non-biodegradable drug delivery implant that has reached the end of its therapeutic effectiveness, followed by the reinsertion of a new implant. This is particularly relevant for individuals who are undergoing long-term treatment that necessitates continuous medication delivery through an implantable device. The indications for this procedure may include:

  • Therapeutic Treatment Completion The existing non-biodegradable implant has fulfilled its intended purpose, and a new implant is required to continue medication delivery.
  • Implant Replacement The need to replace an old or malfunctioning non-biodegradable implant with a new one to ensure effective drug delivery.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 11983 involves several critical steps to ensure the safe removal of the existing non-biodegradable drug delivery implant and the insertion of a new one. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Preparation The physician selects an appropriate insertion site, typically on the inner aspect of the upper arm, and cleanses the area to reduce the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision A small incision is made over the proximal tip of the existing non-biodegradable implant. This incision allows access to the implant for removal.
  • Step 3: Implant Removal If the tissue pseudocapsule overlying the proximal tip of the implant is not visible, the physician palpates the distal end of the implant and massages it forward toward the incision line. The tissue pseudocapsule is then nicked, and a mosquito clamp is inserted to expand the opening in the pseudocapsule. The tip of the implant is identified, grasped, and carefully removed from the tissue.
  • Step 4: Insertion of New Implant After the removal of the old implant, the physician prepares the new non-biodegradable implant for insertion. The tip of the insertion tool, pre-loaded with the new implant, is inserted through the same incision and advanced subcutaneously to the desired location.
  • Step 5: Release and Closure Once the new implant is in position, it is released from the insertion tool, which is then withdrawn. The physician palpates the skin over the implant to ensure proper positioning. Finally, the incision is closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for CPT® Code 11983 includes monitoring the insertion site for any signs of infection or complications. Patients are typically advised to keep the area clean and dry and to follow any specific instructions provided by the physician regarding activity restrictions and wound care. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the healing process and ensure that the new implant is functioning as intended. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, or discharge from the incision site, to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr REMOVE/INSERT DRUG IMPLANT
Medium Descr RMVL W/RINSJ NON-BIODEGRADABLE DRUG DLVR IMPLT
Long Descr Removal with reinsertion, non-biodegradable drug delivery implant
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator STV-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6D - Minor procedures - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 231 - Other therapeutic procedures
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
FP Service provided as part of family planning program
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2002-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2002.
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