Advanced Search

Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

You Be the Coder:

Separate Bunionectomy and Arthroplasty Codes

Published on Mon Jul 05, 2010

Question: A podiatrist performed Austin bunionectomy on a patient's first toe. He performed arthroplasty on the second toe. Would I use 28296 twice to report the two procedures?Montana SubscriberAnswer: No. Use 28296 [Correction, hallux valgus (bunion), with or without sesamoidectomy; with metatarsal osteotomy (eg, Mitchell, Chevron, or concentric type procedures)] to report Austin bunionectomy, and 28285 (Correction, hammertoe [e.g., interphalangeal fusion, partial or total phalangectomy]). CPT 28285 is not just for anthroplasty or bone work, but also for soft tissue (i.e., tenotomy and capsulotomy) correction of hammertoe.Quick fact: A complex, biplanar, double-step cut osteotomy through the neck of the first metatarsal is also known as the Mitchell Chevron (Austin) procedure.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

View All