Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Reader Questions:

Don’t Make This Metatarsal Modifier Mistake

Question: What is the correct modifier to bill with 28122? I first billed it with a T modifier and got denied. I then billed with both the RT (as the procedure was performed on the patient’s right foot) and the T modifier and got denied again. What am I doing wrong?

APPC Forum Participant

 

Answer: CPT® code 28122 (Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, sequestrectomy, or diaphysectomy) bone (eg, osteomyelitis or bossing); tarsal or metatarsal bone, except talus or calcaneus), as the descriptor states, is for partial excision of bone of the tarsal or metatarsal. The T modifiers are for toes, and the metatarsal is not regarded as a toe.

For 28122, you should use the RT/LT (Right side/Left side) modifiers only. If your podiatrist performs procedures on more than one metatarsal on the same foot, you should append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to one of the CPT® codes, and an RT/LT modifier as appropriate to the others depending on payer preference.