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An interim obturator prosthesis, designated by CPT® Code 21079, is a specialized dental device created following the surgical resection of a portion or the entirety of one or both maxillae. This prosthesis serves a critical role in the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone such surgical procedures, as it not only replaces the surgical obturator used during the immediate postoperative phase but also addresses functional and aesthetic needs. The interim obturator may include the replacement of teeth in the defect area, thereby restoring the patient's ability to chew and swallow effectively. It is typically worn for several months, allowing for continued wound healing and adaptation to the changes in oral anatomy. The primary function of the interim obturator is to separate the oral and nasal cavities, which is essential for normal speech and swallowing. Additionally, it provides occlusion with the mandible, supports the mandible, and contributes to a cosmetically acceptable appearance. The process of creating this prosthesis involves obtaining an impression of the defect and surrounding oral structures after some healing has occurred post-surgery. This impression is crucial for accurately designing a mold that will be used to construct the custom prosthesis. In contrast, a definitive obturator prosthesis, identified by CPT® Code 21080, is fabricated once the surgical site has completely healed, ensuring a more permanent solution to the patient's needs.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The interim obturator prosthesis (CPT® Code 21079) is indicated for patients who have undergone surgical resection of a portion or all of one or both maxillae. This procedure is typically performed in cases involving:
The procedure for creating an interim obturator prosthesis involves several key steps that ensure the device meets the patient's functional and aesthetic needs:
After the interim obturator prosthesis is placed, patients can expect a period of adjustment as they become accustomed to the device. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor the fit and function of the prosthesis, as well as to assess the healing of the surgical site. The interim obturator is designed to be a temporary solution, and patients should be informed about the eventual transition to a definitive obturator prosthesis once healing is complete. Care instructions will be provided to ensure proper maintenance and hygiene of the prosthesis during its use.
| Short Descr | IMPRES&PREP INTRM OBT PROSTH | Medium Descr | IMPRESSION&PREPARATION INTERIM OBTURATOR PROSTH | Long Descr | Impression and custom preparation; interim obturator prosthesis | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | 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) | 1 - Statutory 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 | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 32 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx |
| 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. | 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). | 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.) | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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) |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 1991-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1991. |
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