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Official Description

Reconstruction of mandible or maxilla, endosteal implant (eg, blade, cylinder); partial

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21248 involves the surgical reconstruction of the mandible or maxilla using an endosteal implant, which can be in the form of a blade or cylinder. This specific code is designated for partial reconstructions, distinguishing it from CPT® Code 21249, which is used for complete reconstructions. During this procedure, the physician makes an incision in the area of the jaw where teeth are absent, allowing for direct access to the underlying bone. The surgical approach aims to expose the bone as thoroughly as possible to facilitate the precise placement of the implant. The endosteal implant is then inserted into pre-drilled holes that have been carefully prepared in the bone. Following the insertion of the implant, the surrounding tissue is meticulously arranged and sutured around the implant post, ensuring stability and proper healing. In the case of blade-style implants, the tissue is sutured around the implant, while for cylindrical implants, the tissue is closed over the top of the posts. It is important to note that a subsequent surgical procedure will be required to attach the dental prosthesis to the implant, completing the reconstruction process. Finally, all incisions made during the procedure are closed to promote healing and recovery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 21248 is indicated for patients who require reconstruction of the mandible or maxilla due to various conditions that may lead to the loss of teeth and bone structure. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Partial Edentulism Patients who have lost some teeth in the mandible or maxilla and require support for dental prosthetics.
  • Bone Defects Individuals with bone loss due to trauma, disease, or congenital conditions that necessitate reconstruction to restore function and aesthetics.
  • Failed Previous Dental Implants Patients who have experienced failure of previous dental implants and require a new approach for stabilization and support.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 21248 involves several critical steps to ensure successful reconstruction of the mandible or maxilla:

  • Step 1: Incision The surgeon begins by making a precise incision over the area of the jaw where teeth are missing. This incision allows for direct access to the underlying bone, which is essential for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 2: Bone Exposure Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully exposes the bone as much as possible. This exposure is crucial for the accurate placement of the endosteal implant, as it allows the surgeon to visualize the bone structure and ensure proper alignment.
  • Step 3: Implant Insertion After the bone is adequately exposed, the surgeon drills precision holes into the bone to accommodate the endosteal implant. The implant, which can be either blade or cylinder type, is then inserted into these pre-drilled holes, ensuring a secure fit.
  • Step 4: Tissue Arrangement and Suturing Following the insertion of the implant, the surrounding tissue is meticulously arranged around the implant post. For blade-style implants, the tissue is sutured around the implant, while for cylindrical implants, the tissue is sutured closed over the top of the posts to promote healing.
  • Step 5: Closure of Incisions Finally, all incisions made during the procedure are closed. This step is vital for preventing infection and facilitating the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 21248, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve some discomfort and swelling in the surgical area. Post-operative care typically includes pain management, instructions for oral hygiene, and dietary modifications to avoid irritation of the surgical site. It is essential for patients to follow their physician's recommendations closely to ensure proper healing. Additionally, a follow-up appointment will be necessary to monitor the healing process and to plan for a subsequent surgery to attach the dental prosthesis to the implant, completing the reconstruction process.

Short Descr RECONSTRUCTION OF JAW
Medium Descr RCNSTJ MANDIBLE/MAXL ENDOSTEAL IMPLANT PARTIAL
Long Descr Reconstruction of mandible or maxilla, endosteal implant (eg, blade, cylinder); partial
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 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 2
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).
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.
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.)
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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)
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
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