Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Which code should we bill when the orthopedist performs a plantar fascia release? Maryland Subscriber Answer: Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you should select one of four codes, all of which refer to plantar fascia repair: 28008 Fasciotomy, foot and/or toe 28060 Fasciectomy, plantar fascia; partial (separate procedure) 28062 Fasciectomy, plantar fascia; radical (separate procedure) 28250 Division of plantar fascia and muscle (e.g., Steindler stripping) (separate procedure). If you cannot determine from the operative report which code is most appropriate, ask the orthopedist to select which of the above codes most accurately matches the procedure performed. You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Heidi Stout, CPC, CCS-P, coding and reimbursement manager at University Orthopaedic Associates in New Brunswick, N.J.