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Official Description

Osteotomy, maxilla, segmental (eg, Wassmund or Schuchard)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21206 involves a segmental osteotomy of the maxilla, which is a surgical intervention aimed at correcting localized deformities of the upper jawbone. This procedure is particularly relevant for patients who may have structural abnormalities affecting their maxilla, which can impact both function and aesthetics. The term "segmental osteotomy" refers to the surgical technique where a specific segment of the bone is cut and repositioned to achieve the desired alignment and shape. Techniques such as the Wassmund or Schuchardt methods are commonly employed, which involve precise incisions and careful manipulation of the bone. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision over the area of the deformity, allowing access to the underlying bone. The surrounding soft tissue is then reflected to expose the maxilla, and specialized instruments such as saws, drills, and osteotomes are utilized to remove the deformed segment of bone. After the segment is excised, the maxilla is stabilized using various fixation methods, including wires, screws, metal plates, or an acrylic splint, ensuring that the bone remains in the correct position during the healing process. The procedure concludes with the closure of all incisions, marking the completion of the surgical intervention.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The segmental osteotomy of the maxilla, as described by CPT® Code 21206, is indicated for various conditions that result in deformities of the maxilla. These indications may include:

  • Localized Deformity The procedure is performed to correct specific deformities of the maxilla that may affect the patient's bite, speech, or overall facial aesthetics.
  • Malocclusion Patients with misalignment of the teeth and jaws may require this procedure to improve occlusion and function.
  • Facial Asymmetry The surgery can address asymmetries in the facial structure that may arise from congenital conditions or trauma.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a segmental osteotomy of the maxilla involves several critical steps to ensure successful correction of the deformity. Each step is essential for achieving the desired outcome.

  • Step 1: Incision The surgeon begins by making a precise incision over the area of the maxillary deformity. This incision is strategically placed to provide optimal access to the underlying bone while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Tissue Reflection After the incision is made, the surgeon carefully reflects the soft tissue to expose the maxilla. This step is crucial as it allows for direct visualization and access to the bone segment that needs to be corrected.
  • Step 3: Bone Segment Isolation Once the tissue is reflected, the surgeon isolates the specific segment of the maxilla that is deformed. This isolation is necessary to ensure that only the affected area is addressed during the procedure.
  • Step 4: Bone Removal Using specialized instruments such as saws, drills, and osteotomes, the surgeon removes the deformed segment of bone. This step requires precision to ensure that the remaining bone structure is preserved and that the segment is adequately excised.
  • Step 5: Stabilization After the removal of the bone segment, the maxilla is repositioned and stabilized using various fixation methods. These may include wires, screws, metal plates, or an acrylic splint, depending on the specific requirements of the case.
  • Step 6: Closure The final step involves closing all incisions meticulously to promote healing and minimize scarring. The surgeon ensures that the tissue is properly aligned before suturing the incision site.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a segmental osteotomy of the maxilla is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any complications and may be prescribed pain management medications to alleviate discomfort. Instructions regarding diet, activity restrictions, and oral hygiene will be provided to support healing. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the healing process and the stability of the maxilla. Patients may also be advised on the use of orthodontic appliances if necessary, to further enhance the alignment of the teeth and jaws as they recover.

Short Descr RECONSTRUCT UPPER JAW BONE
Medium Descr OSTEOTOMY MAXILLA SEGMENTAL
Long Descr Osteotomy, maxilla, segmental (eg, Wassmund or Schuchard)
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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 Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone
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).
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.)
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.
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)
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.
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).
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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
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