Orthopedic Coding Alert

An Unna boot is a medicated, semirigid dressing that consists of layers of bandage impregnated with Unna paste (gelatin, glycerin and zinc oxide). The surgeon applies an Unna boot over a leg ulcer or other injury, and the combination of pressure and medication aids the healing process, says Gary W. Barone, MD, associate professor of surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. The surgeon or physician assistant will generally replace the dressing about once per week until the injury heals sufficiently.

Avoid this mistake: You should not report 29580 (Strapping; Unna boot) for compression garments, dressings or bandages because these dressings do not properly describe Unna boot.