CPT® Code 20704

Add-On Code

Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 20704 refers to the manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s) that are placed intra-articularly, meaning they are inserted directly into a joint space. This procedure is typically performed in conjunction with a primary surgical procedure aimed at addressing joint issues, such as resecting an infected joint. The process involves the creation of a hand-crafted drug delivery device, which is designed to release medication directly into the joint area to aid in treatment. The surgeon prepares the device by mixing surgical cement powder with antibiotic powder, followed by the addition of a liquid monomer, and this mixture is processed under a vacuum to ensure proper consistency and effectiveness. Once the cement mixture is ready, it is poured into a silicone mold to form the device. After the cement hardens, the mold is removed, and the surgeon checks the device to ensure it is appropriately sized and shaped for the specific joint space. The final step involves attaching the device to the end of the bone using another batch of cement before closing the surgical wound in layers. This procedure is critical for delivering localized treatment to the joint, particularly in cases of infection or other joint-related conditions.