CPT® Code 20900

The procedure described by CPT® Code 20900 involves the transplantation of bone from one anatomical site to another, primarily aimed at facilitating osteogenesis, which is the process of bone formation, or providing structural stability to the affected area. Bone grafts serve multiple purposes, including filling in bone defects, promoting the union of fractured bones, or supplying material necessary for arthrodesis, which is the surgical fusion of bones. There are different types of bone grafts based on the source of the bone: an autograft is harvested from the same individual or animal, an allograft (also known as a homograft) is obtained from another human donor, and a xenograft (or heterograft) comes from a donor of a different species. Common donor sites for these grafts include the iliac crest, tibia, fibula, greater trochanter, distal end of the radius, and the posterior portions of the spine. During the procedure, the physician makes an incision over the donor site and carefully resects the surrounding muscles to access and harvest the bone graft. It is important to note that CPT® Code 20900 is specifically designated for minor or small grafts, such as those smaller than a dowel or button, while larger grafts are coded under CPT® Code 20902.