20650 Insert and remove bone pin
Also known as: skeletal pin insertion, traction pin
Insertion and removal of skeletal bone pin for traction or immobilization.
In Plain Language
pin placed through bone for traction; temporary bone pin for alignment
Clinical Context
Used for external skeletal traction in fracture treatment, particularly for long bone fractures requiring alignment and weight-bearing reduction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.22 |
| Total RVU | 2.22 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 2.22, this code ranks in the 15th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 20650?
CPT 20650 (Insert and remove bone pin) is a Surgery code. Insertion and removal of skeletal bone pin for traction or immobilization.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 20650?
The work RVU for CPT 20650 is 2.22. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 20650 used?
Used for external skeletal traction in fracture treatment, particularly for long bone fractures requiring alignment and weight-bearing reduction.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.