How Much Does Hardware Removal (Superficial, e.g., Pins or Wires) Cost?
Also known as: Removal implant superficial (CPT 20670)
A minor procedure to remove small metal pins or wires near the skin surface that were used to hold a fracture.
Hardware Removal (Superficial, e.g., Pins or Wires) (CPT 20670) costs $140 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $1.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Removal implant superficial costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Hardware Removal (Superficial, e.g., Pins or Wires)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
The doctor numbs the area and removes the pin or wire through a small incision. Often done in the office.
How Long Does It Take?
15-30 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
K-wire removal after fracture healing, pin removal, wire causing skin irritation
How to Prepare
No fasting usually required. Can often be done in the office under local anesthesia.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Removal implant superficial
How to Reduce Your Cost for Removal implant superficial
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($370) differs from the facility rate ($140). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $742, compared to $1 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (11.09) x CF ($33.40) = $370
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Removal implant superficial cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Removal implant superficial is $140. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $1. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $742. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Removal implant superficial cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Removal implant superficial can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Removal implant superficial?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Removal implant superficial when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.