How Much Does Hardware Removal (Deep, e.g., Plate or Rod) Cost?
Also known as: Removal of implant deep (CPT 20680)
Surgery to remove deep metal hardware (such as plates, rods, or large screws) from inside a bone.
The total estimated cost of Hardware Removal (Deep, e.g., Plate or Rod) (CPT 20680) is $1,325 to $2,485, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $394.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Hardware Removal (Deep, e.g., Plate or Rod)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under general or regional anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision to access and remove plates, rods, or screws placed during a previous fracture surgery. Hospital stay may be needed.
How Long Does It Take?
1-2 hours of surgery
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Hardware causing pain or irritation, infection around hardware, completed fracture healing with symptomatic hardware
How to Prepare
Fast after midnight. Inform the surgeon about all medications. Prepare for a recovery period similar to (but usually shorter than) the original surgery.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Removal of implant deep
How to Reduce Your Cost for Removal of implant deep
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 ($632) differs from the facility rate ($394). 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.
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 (18.92) x CF ($33.40) = $632
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Is hardware removal worth it?
There are times when hardware removal can lead to significant benefits. When implanted metal is causing interference with normal joint mobility and function, or if metal implants are causing pain or irritation to soft-tissues, their removal can be beneficial.
What is the hardest orthopedic surgery to recover from?
Spinal Fusion Surgery. Spinal fusion is a procedure where two vertebrae are fused to prevent the movement that is causing pain. ... Complex Spinal Reconstruction. ... Knee Replacement. ... Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery. ... Shoulder Replacement.
How painful is hardware removal?
You've had surgery to remove orthopedic hardware such as metal screws, pins, or plates. You can expect some pain and swelling around the cut (incision) the doctor made. This should get better within a few days. But it's common to have some pain for up to several weeks.
Do bones heal after hardware removal?
Full recovery can take several months, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's overall health. Activities like contact sports may need to be avoided for 1-2 months to allow the bone to fully heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Removal of implant deep cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Removal of implant deep is $394. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Removal of implant deep cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Removal of implant deep 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 of implant deep?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Removal of implant deep 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.