Summary & Overview
CPT 11982: Removal of Non‑Biodegradable Drug Delivery Implant
CPT code 11982 represents the removal of a non‑biodegradable implant (capsule or pellet) used for controlled, long‑term drug delivery. This procedure is clinically important because such implants are common in chronic disease management and specialized therapies; proper coding ensures accurate tracking of procedural utilization and appropriate claims processing. Nationally, procedures like these affect hospital and ambulatory surgical volumes and have implications for device management and post‑implant care.
Key payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, and payer coverage considerations. The publication highlights benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement patterns, relevant policy updates affecting coding and claims adjudication, and coding nuances that influence billing practice.
This summary equips clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts with a clear reference to CPT code 11982, clarifying when the code applies and what stakeholders should consider when documenting and submitting claims. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 11982 describes the removal of a non–biodegradable implant such as a capsule or pellet designed for controlled‑release, long‑term drug delivery. The service involves surgically or procedurally extracting an implanted device that is not intended to biodegrade and that houses medication for extended therapeutic effect.
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Service type: Device removal procedure for long‑term drug delivery systems
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital operating room, depending on clinical complexity and anesthesia needs
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies and ICD-10 diagnoses.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old patient presents to an outpatient ambulatory surgery center for removal of a non-biodegradable subdermal implant (a controlled-release hormonal contraceptive capsule/pellet) that has completed its therapeutic lifespan or is causing adverse effects such as pain, migration, or local inflammation. The patient has a documented history of implant placement and current symptoms prompting removal. Preoperative evaluation includes history, focused physical exam to locate the implant (palpation or imaging if nonpalpable), informed consent, and review of anticoagulation status. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with or without light sedation. The provider makes a small incision, dissects to the implant, removes the capsule or pellet intact, achieves hemostasis, and closes the wound with sutures or adhesive. Post-procedure care includes wound instructions, monitoring for complications (bleeding, infection, incomplete removal), and documentation of implant lot/identifiers in the medical record as applicable. Typical site of service: ambulatory surgery center or outpatient clinic procedure room. Service type: minor surgical removal of a non-biodegradable drug-delivery implant.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
52 | Reduced services | Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as originally planned. |
53 | Discontinued procedure | Use when the procedure is terminated due to extenuating circumstances or patient-related factors prior to completion. |
59 | Distinct procedural service | Use when another unrelated procedure is performed on the same date that is not normally reported together. |
25 | Significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day | Use when an evaluation and management visit is significant and distinct from the removal procedure. |
78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period | Use when a return to the procedure room is required for a complication from the original removal. |
79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period | Use when an unrelated procedure is performed during the global period. |
50 | Bilateral procedure | Use when removal of implants is performed bilaterally and code supports bilateral reporting or modifier is required per payer. |
24 | Unrelated E/M service during postoperative period | Use for unrelated E/M encounters during the global period. |
26 | Professional component | Use when only the physician component is billed separate from technical component (rare for this code). |
TC | Technical component | Use when only the technical component is billed (rare for this code). |
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work required is substantially greater than usual for the procedure. |
59 | Distinct procedural service | Use when another distinct procedure is performed on the same day (listed here given frequent applicability). |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 208D00000X | Obstetrics & Gynecology | Gynecologists commonly remove contraceptive implants. |
| 2080P0227X | Family Medicine | Family physicians in outpatient settings perform implant removals. |
| 207L00000X | General Surgery | General surgeons or proceduralists may perform removals in certain settings. |
| 363LP0103X | Clinical Pharmacology | Providers involved in long-acting drug delivery management (less common). |
| 2084P0800X | Obstetrics & Gynecology - Reproductive Endocrinology | Specialists may be involved for complex removals or implant-related endocrine issues. |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
11981 | Removal of subcutaneous foreign body; single | Performed when a subcutaneous foreign body other than a drug-delivery implant is removed; similar technique and setting. |
11983 | Removal of biodegradable implant (e.g., drug pellet) | Closely related code for removal of biodegradable implants; differentiates implant material. |
20680 | Removal of deep implant, musculoskeletal (e.g., deep foreign body) | Used when removal requires deeper dissection under general or regional anesthesia; informs complexity. |
99213 | Office or other outpatient visit for evaluation and management, established patient, low to moderate complexity | Typical pre-procedure or post-procedure E/M visit when billed separately and significant. |
69310 | Removal of impacted hearing device or ear implant (example of implant removal in other specialty) | Illustrative of implant removal workflow in other specialties; technique and documentation parallels. |