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CPT code 20694 (removal of external fixation system under anesthesia) is only appropriate when anesthesia is required; the removal of an external fixation device without anesthesia is not separately reportable. When performed at the same time as other separately identifiable but unrelated procedures, append this code with modifier -59 (distinct procedural service) to indicate the procedure is "separate and distinct." Payer guidelines prevail. Interested in more coding tips and claim validation tools? Click here to sign up for a demo or to learn more about SelectCoder. | 
