The Ultimate Guide To C1713 Anchor Screws

C1713 is a valid 2022 HCPCS code for an anchor/screw implant for opposing bone-to-bone or soft tissue-to-bone connections. The anchor/screw bn/bn,tis/bn is a medical item or service with special coverage instructions and no maintenance for this code.

Bone-to-bone anchor/screw implants

The process involves a surgeon making a small incision at the affected site, drilling a hole into the bone, and inserting a screw or anchor to attach the fractured bone segments or soft tissues. This procedure is often used for conditions such as bone fractures, ligament, tendon, or cartilage injuries, and joint instability.

There are different types of suture anchors available, such as screw-in or lodging-type anchors, and they can be made of metal or biodegradable material. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours and is performed in a hospital operating room or a specialised surgical centre.

It is important to note that there are risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure. In the case of bone-to-bone anchor/screw implants, potential complications include infection, bleeding, allergic reaction to anaesthesia, hardware failure, nerve or blood vessel damage, and chronic pain or stiffness.

The cost of such procedures can vary, with one source quoting $22,000, while another states that an estimate for commercial payers is $619.30.

Soft tissue-to-bone anchor/screw implants

The anchor/screw implants consist of three main components: the anchor, the eyelet, and the suture. The anchor is inserted into the bone and can be in the form of a screw mechanism or an interference fit. It may be made of metal or biodegradable material. The eyelet is a hole or loop in the anchor that connects the anchor to the suture. The suture is passed through the eyelet and attached to the soft tissue, fixing it to the bone.

There are different types of anchors available, including metallic, biodegradable, biostable, biocomposite, and all-soft suture anchors. Metallic anchors, typically made of titanium or stainless steel, provide rigid fixation but have disadvantages such as migration, loosening, and interference with diagnostic imaging. Biodegradable anchors, on the other hand, offer advantages like easier revision surgery, better post-surgical imaging, and improved biocompatibility. Biostable anchors, made of materials like polyetheretherketone (PEEK), provide stable fixation and good postoperative imaging but may have poor osseointegration. Biocomposite anchors combine a biodegradable polymer with a bone formation-promoting bioceramic material, while all-soft suture anchors minimise bone loss and invasiveness.

When using soft tissue-to-bone anchor/screw implants, surgeons must follow manufacturer guidelines, use drill guides for accurate placement, and be aware of potential complications and backup plans.

HCPCS Level II Code Temporary Codes

The long description for C1713 is "Anchor/screw for opposing bone-to-bone or soft tissue-to-bone (implantable)", while the short description is "Anchor/screw bn/bn,tis/bn". This code has multiple pricing indicators, including "A" (not applicable as HCPCS priced under one methodology) and "D" (special coverage instructions apply). The code also has indicators for medical/surgical supplies ("D1A") and other medical items or services ("9").

In the HCPCS Level II coding system, modifiers are composed of two alpha or alphanumeric characters. These modifiers are used to indicate specific circumstances or adjustments to a service or procedure, without changing its definition or code. For example, the modifier "-NU" in the code "E0260-NU" specifies that the hospital bed is new equipment.

The C1713 code is part of the range of HCPCS codes for Assorted Devices and Supplies, which includes C1713-C1715. These codes cover a range of medical devices and supplies, such as the anchor/screw, catheter, and brachytherapy needle.

HCPCS Coding Procedures

HCPCS, or the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, is a standardised code system used by medical providers to submit healthcare claims to Medicare and other health insurance providers in a consistent and orderly manner. HCPCS codes are alphanumeric codes representing primarily procedures, supplies, products, and non-physician services.

HCPCS is divided into two main subsystems: Level I and Level II. CPT, or Current Procedural Terminology, is a numeric coding system maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA). CPT is a uniform coding system consisting of descriptive terms and identifying codes used primarily to identify medical services and procedures furnished by physicians and other healthcare professionals for which they bill public or private health insurance programs. CPT codes consist of 5 numeric digits.

HCPCS Level II is a standardised coding system used primarily to identify products, supplies, and services not included in CPT codes, such as ambulance services or durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies when used outside a physician's office. HCPCS Level II codes consist of a single alphabetical letter followed by 4 numeric digits.

The HCPCS Level II coding system began in the 1980s. CMS maintains HCPCS Level II codes, including decisions about additions, revisions, and deletions to the codes. HCPCS codes are used for billing Medicare and Medicaid patients.

HCPCS C1713 is a valid 2022 HCPCS code for an anchor/screw for opposing bone-to-bone or soft tissue-to-bone (implantable). This code falls under the category of "Other medical items or services". The long description of the code is "Anchor/screw for opposing bone-to-bone or soft tissue-to-bone (implantable)", while the short description is "Anchor/screw bn/bn,tis/bn".

HCPCS C1713 has the following coding procedures:

• Pricing indicator: A - Not applicable as HCPCS priced under one methodology
• Multiple pricing indicator: D - Special coverage instructions apply
• D1A - Medical/surgical supplies
• N - No maintenance for this code
• 9 - Other medical items or services

HCPCS Pricing Indicator Codes

The HCPCS Pricing Indicator Codes for the C1713 anchor/screw bn/bn,tis/bn are:

• A: Not applicable as HCPCS priced under one methodology
• D: Special coverage instructions apply
• D1A: Medical/surgical supplies
• N: No maintenance for this code
• 9: Other medical items or services

These pricing indicator codes are used to determine the reimbursement rates for the C1713 anchor/screw, which is a temporary code for use with the Outpatient Prospective Payment System.

The C1713 anchor/screw is used for opposing bone-to-bone or soft tissue-to-bone implantation. It is important to note that Medicare may or may not reimburse for this code, and providers should check with their local Medicare contact to confirm reimbursement eligibility.

Frequently asked questions