Summary & Overview
HCPCS G0517: Removal of Non-Biodegradable Subdermal Drug Delivery Implants, 4+
HCPCS Level II code G0517 denotes the removal of four or more non-biodegradable drug delivery implants, a procedure relevant to outpatient surgical care for patients receiving subdermal medication delivery systems. Nationwide, the code is used to document multi-implant explant procedures that can involve device-based therapies for chronic conditions and hormone delivery. Accurate coding supports clinical clarity and administrative processing for facilities and payers.
Key payers addressed in this national-level overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical service represented by G0517, the typical sites of service where the procedure occurs, and the operational considerations tied to multi-implant removal. The publication outlines benchmark topics and policy-relevant items readers can expect, such as utilization patterns for outpatient surgical settings, payer coverage considerations, and common billing practice elements. It also highlights areas where additional payer-specific guidance or documentation expectations may affect claims processing.
This summary is intended for clinicians, coding professionals, and revenue cycle stakeholders seeking a clear reference on the clinical meaning and administrative context of HCPCS Level II code G0517. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code G0517 describes the removal of non-biodegradable drug delivery implants, four or more, intended for services involving subdermal implant removal. This procedure represents the surgical extraction of multiple implanted drug delivery devices that are not designed to biodegrade.
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Service type: Surgical removal of subdermal drug delivery implants
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department (outpatient surgical setting)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A reproductive-age patient with multiple non-biodegradable subdermal contraceptive implants presents to an ambulatory surgical center for removal of four or more implants. The implants were placed in the subdermal tissue of the upper arm and now require removal due to device expiration, patient desire for pregnancy, adverse local reactions (pain, infection, migration, or scarring), or device malfunction. The preoperative workflow includes a focused history and physical, review of implant insertion records if available, and localization imaging when implants are non-palpable (ultrasound or radiograph). Consent is obtained for removal under local anesthesia with sedation as indicated. The procedure is typically performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist, family medicine physician with procedural training, or a general surgeon in an outpatient procedure room or ambulatory surgery center. Operative steps include sterile prep, local anesthesia infiltration, small incision(s), careful dissection to retrieve each implant, hemostasis, and layered closure or adhesive strip dressing. Post-procedure instructions cover wound care, signs of infection, and follow-up for wound check and future contraceptive planning. Documentation should specify the number of implants removed, laterality, anesthesia type, any complications, and whether removals were uncomplicated or required extended dissection.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) default or initial professional service |