© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 20705 refers to the removal of drug-delivery device(s) that are placed intra-articularly, which means within a joint space. This procedure is specifically reported separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure being performed. The context of this code involves the preparation, implantation, and subsequent removal of a hand-crafted intra-articular drug delivery device, which is typically utilized in conjunction with a primary surgical procedure aimed at addressing an infected joint. The process begins with the surgeon creating the drug delivery device using a mixture of surgical cement powder and antibiotic powder, combined with a liquid monomer under vacuum conditions to ensure proper consistency and effectiveness. Once the cement is prepared, it is poured into a silicone mold to form the device, which is then allowed to harden. After hardening, the silicone mold is removed, and the surgeon verifies that the device is appropriately sized and shaped for insertion into the joint space. The device is then affixed to the end of the bone using another batch of cement, and the surgical site is meticulously closed in layers to promote healing. The removal of the drug delivery device, as indicated by CPT® Code 20705, occurs during a primary arthrotomy procedure, which involves entering the joint without performing a joint revision. During this removal process, the surgeon carefully extracts the device from the joint space while ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding bone tissue. Following the removal, the surgical wound is thoroughly irrigated and closed in layers to facilitate recovery.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 20705 is indicated for the removal of intra-articular drug-delivery devices that have been previously implanted. This procedure is typically performed in the context of managing joint infections or complications arising from the presence of the drug delivery device. The indications for this procedure may include:
The procedure for the removal of the drug delivery device as indicated by CPT® Code 20705 involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:
Post-procedure care following the removal of the drug delivery device involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection or complications. Patients may be advised to follow specific instructions regarding activity restrictions, wound care, and pain management. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to assess the healing process and determine if any further interventions are necessary. It is essential for healthcare providers to educate patients on recognizing any unusual symptoms that may arise during recovery, ensuring timely intervention if needed.
| Short Descr | RMVL I-ARTIC RX DELIVERY DEV | Medium Descr | REMOVAL INTRA-ARTICULAR DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE | Long Descr | Removal of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 22532 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, lateral extracavitary technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); thoracic | 22533 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, lateral extracavitary technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); lumbar | 22534 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, lateral extracavitary technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); thoracic or lumbar, each additional vertebral segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 22548 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, anterior transoral or extraoral technique, clivus-C1-C2 (atlas-axis), with or without excision of odontoid process | 22551 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2 | 22552 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2, each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 22554 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); cervical below C2 | 22556 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); thoracic | 22558 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); lumbar | 22585 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 22586 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Arthrodesis, pre-sacral interbody technique, including disc space preparation, discectomy, with posterior instrumentation, with image guidance, includes bone graft when performed, L5-S1 interspace | 22590 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior technique, craniocervical (occiput-C2) | 22595 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior technique, atlas-axis (C1-C2) | 22600 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single interspace; cervical below C2 segment | 22610 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single interspace; thoracic (with lateral transverse technique, when performed) | 22614 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single interspace; each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 22634 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Arthrodesis, combined posterior or posterolateral technique with posterior interbody technique including laminectomy and/or discectomy sufficient to prepare interspace (other than for decompression), single interspace, lumbar; each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 22800 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, posterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; up to 6 vertebral segments | 22802 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, posterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 7 to 12 vertebral segments | 22804 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, posterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 13 or more vertebral segments | 22808 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, anterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 2 to 3 vertebral segments | 22810 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, anterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 4 to 7 vertebral segments | 22812 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, anterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 8 or more vertebral segments | 22830 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Exploration of spinal fusion | 22853 | CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to intervertebral disc space in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 22854 | CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to vertebral corpectomy(ies) (vertebral body resection, partial or complete) defect, in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each contiguous defect (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 22864 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Removal of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, single interspace; cervical | 22865 | MPFS Status: Restricted APC C PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Removal of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, single interspace; lumbar | 22899 | MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC T CPT Assistant Article Unlisted procedure, spine | 23040 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Arthrotomy, glenohumeral joint, including exploration, drainage, or removal of foreign body | 23044 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Arthrotomy, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular joint, including exploration, drainage, or removal of foreign body | 23334 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Removal of prosthesis, includes debridement and synovectomy when performed; humeral or glenoid component | 23473 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Revision of total shoulder arthroplasty, including allograft when performed; humeral or glenoid component | 23474 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Revision of total shoulder arthroplasty, including allograft when performed; humeral and glenoid component | 24000 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrotomy, elbow, including exploration, drainage, or removal of foreign body | 24160 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q2 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Removal of prosthesis, includes debridement and synovectomy when performed; humeral and ulnar components | 24370 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Revision of total elbow arthroplasty, including allograft when performed; humeral or ulnar component | 24371 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Revision of total elbow arthroplasty, including allograft when performed; humeral and ulnar component | 24800 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, elbow joint; local | 24802 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, elbow joint; with autogenous graft (includes obtaining graft) | 25040 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrotomy, radiocarpal or midcarpal joint, with exploration, drainage, or removal of foreign body | 25250 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q2 ASC A2 Removal of wrist prosthesis; (separate procedure) | 25251 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q2 ASC A2 Removal of wrist prosthesis; complicated, including total wrist | 25449 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Revision of arthroplasty, including removal of implant, wrist joint | 25800 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, wrist; complete, without bone graft (includes radiocarpal and/or intercarpal and/or carpometacarpal joints) | 25805 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Arthrodesis, wrist; with sliding graft | 25810 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Arthrodesis, wrist; with iliac or other autograft (includes obtaining graft) | 25825 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, wrist; with autograft (includes obtaining graft) | 25830 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, distal radioulnar joint with segmental resection of ulna, with or without bone graft (eg, Sauve-Kapandji procedure) | 26070 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrotomy, with exploration, drainage, or removal of loose or foreign body; carpometacarpal joint | 26075 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrotomy, with exploration, drainage, or removal of loose or foreign body; metacarpophalangeal joint, each | 26080 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrotomy, with exploration, drainage, or removal of loose or foreign body; interphalangeal joint, each | 26841 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, carpometacarpal joint, thumb, with or without internal fixation; | 26842 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, carpometacarpal joint, thumb, with or without internal fixation; with autograft (includes obtaining graft) | 26843 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, carpometacarpal joint, digit, other than thumb, each; | 26844 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, carpometacarpal joint, digit, other than thumb, each; with autograft (includes obtaining graft) | 26850 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, metacarpophalangeal joint, with or without internal fixation; | 26852 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, metacarpophalangeal joint, with or without internal fixation; with autograft (includes obtaining graft) | 26860 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, interphalangeal joint, with or without internal fixation; | 26861 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, interphalangeal joint, with or without internal fixation; each additional interphalangeal joint (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 26862 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, interphalangeal joint, with or without internal fixation; with autograft (includes obtaining graft) | 26863 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, interphalangeal joint, with or without internal fixation; with autograft (includes obtaining graft), each additional joint (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 26990 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Incision and drainage, pelvis or hip joint area; deep abscess or hematoma | 27030 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrotomy, hip, with drainage (eg, infection) | 27090 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Removal of hip prosthesis; (separate procedure) | 27132 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Conversion of previous hip surgery to total hip arthroplasty, with or without autograft or allograft | 27134 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Revision of total hip arthroplasty; both components, with or without autograft or allograft | 27137 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Illustration for Code Revision of total hip arthroplasty; acetabular component only, with or without autograft or allograft | 27138 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Illustration for Code Revision of total hip arthroplasty; femoral component only, with or without allograft | 27279 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Arthrodesis, sacroiliac joint, percutaneous or minimally invasive (indirect visualization), with image guidance, includes obtaining bone graft when performed, and placement of transfixation device | 27280 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, sacroiliac joint, open, includes obtaining bone graft, including instrumentation, when performed | 27282 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, symphysis pubis (including obtaining graft) | 27284 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, hip joint (including obtaining graft); | 27286 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, hip joint (including obtaining graft); with subtrochanteric osteotomy | 27301 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Incision and drainage, deep abscess, bursa, or hematoma, thigh or knee region | 27310 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrotomy, knee, with exploration, drainage, or removal of foreign body (eg, infection) | 27487 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Revision of total knee arthroplasty, with or without allograft; femoral and entire tibial component | 27580 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, knee, any technique | 27603 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Incision and drainage, leg or ankle; deep abscess or hematoma | 27610 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrotomy, ankle, including exploration, drainage, or removal of foreign body | 27703 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthroplasty, ankle; revision, total ankle | 27870 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, ankle, open | 27871 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, tibiofibular joint, proximal or distal | 28020 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Arthrotomy, including exploration, drainage, or removal of loose or foreign body; intertarsal or tarsometatarsal joint | 28295 | Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Correction, hallux valgus with bunionectomy, with sesamoidectomy when performed; with proximal metatarsal osteotomy, any method | 28296 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Correction, hallux valgus with bunionectomy, with sesamoidectomy when performed; with distal metatarsal osteotomy, any method | 28298 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Correction, hallux valgus with bunionectomy, with sesamoidectomy when performed; with proximal phalanx osteotomy, any method | 28299 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Correction, hallux valgus with bunionectomy, with sesamoidectomy when performed; with double osteotomy, any method | 28705 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis; pantalar | 28715 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis; triple | 28725 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis; subtalar | 28730 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, midtarsal or tarsometatarsal, multiple or transverse; | 28735 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, midtarsal or tarsometatarsal, multiple or transverse; with osteotomy (eg, flatfoot correction) | 28737 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, with tendon lengthening and advancement, midtarsal, tarsal navicular-cuneiform (eg, Miller type procedure) | 28740 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, midtarsal or tarsometatarsal, single joint | 28750 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, great toe; metatarsophalangeal joint | 28755 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, great toe; interphalangeal joint | 28760 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, with extensor hallucis longus transfer to first metatarsal neck, great toe, interphalangeal joint (eg, Jones type procedure) | 29907 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Arthroscopy, subtalar joint, surgical; with subtalar arthrodesis |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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). | 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. | 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). | 81 | Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number. | 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). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | 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) | 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
|
|---|---|---|
| 2020-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.