20970 Bone/skin graft iliac crest
Also known as: iliac bone-skin free flap, osteocutaneous iliac flap
Microvascular free composite graft of bone and skin from iliac crest.
In Plain Language
bone and skin transplant from hip area; vascularized hip graft
Clinical Context
Provides large amounts of cancellous bone with skin coverage for major reconstructions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 43.47 |
| Total RVU | 43.47 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 43.47, this code ranks in the 98th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.4x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 20970?
CPT 20970 (Bone/skin graft iliac crest) is a Surgery code. Microvascular free composite graft of bone and skin from iliac crest.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 20970?
The work RVU for CPT 20970 is 43.47. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Microsurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 20970 used?
Provides large amounts of cancellous bone with skin coverage for major reconstructions.
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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.