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The procedure described by CPT® Code 27704 refers to the removal of an ankle implant, which is a surgical intervention typically indicated for various complications associated with the implant. This may include persistent pain, mechanical issues, or outright failure of the implant itself. Additionally, complications such as infection may necessitate the removal of the implant. The procedure involves making a long incision over the ankle to access the implant. During the surgery, careful dissection of the soft tissues is performed, with particular attention given to protecting the surrounding nerves and blood vessels to minimize the risk of injury. Once the implant components are accessed, they are systematically removed. In cases where infection is present, any damaged or infected tissue is thoroughly debrided to promote healing and prevent further complications. If the removal is due to infection, the surgeon may opt to place an antibiotic-impregnated spacer to help manage the infection. In some instances, a separately reportable procedure, such as ankle arthrodesis, may be performed following the removal of the implant. Finally, the surgical wound is meticulously closed in layers, and a suction drain may be placed to facilitate proper drainage and healing post-operatively.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The removal of an ankle implant, as described by CPT® Code 27704, is indicated for several specific conditions and complications that may arise following the implantation of an ankle prosthesis. These indications include:
The procedure for the removal of an ankle implant involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the safe and effective extraction of the implant while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The steps include:
Post-procedure care following the removal of an ankle implant is critical for ensuring optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Pain management strategies are implemented to address discomfort following the surgery. The surgical site may require regular dressing changes, and the patient may be advised to limit weight-bearing activities on the affected ankle during the initial recovery phase. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing, remove any sutures if necessary, and determine if further interventions, such as ankle arthrodesis, are required. Rehabilitation may also be initiated to restore function and strength to the ankle joint as healing progresses.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF ANKLE IMPLANT | Medium Descr | REMOVAL ANKLE IMPLANT | Long Descr | Removal of ankle implant | 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) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | 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) | 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 | T-Packaged Codes | 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 | 162 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on joints |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 20932 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Allograft, includes templating, cutting, placement and internal fixation, when performed; osteoarticular, including articular surface and contiguous bone (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 20933 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Allograft, includes templating, cutting, placement and internal fixation, when performed; hemicortical intercalary, partial (ie, hemicylindrical) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 20934 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Allograft, includes templating, cutting, placement and internal fixation, when performed; intercalary, complete (ie, cylindrical) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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). | 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 | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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