Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: What is the proper code for a skinplasty on an overlapping fourth toe on the left foot (T3)?

Florida Subscriber

Answer:  Do not use code 28286 (Correction, cock-up fifth toe, with plastic skin closure [e.g., Ruiz-Mora type procedure]). That particular skinplasty is only for procedures that involve the fifth toe, which this case does not. So you should not bill 28286-T3.

If there were any other procedures performed besides the skinplasty, you should code and bill for those. If only the skinplasty is done on the fourth toe, you must use unlisted-procedure code 28899 (Unlisted procedure, foot or toes) and submit a detailed operative report as to why it was necessary to use that code.