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Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Hammertoes:

28285 FAQs: Trounce Your Tenotomy and K-Wire Confusion

Published on Fri Feb 11, 2011

Hint: Don't assume all tenotomies are automatically included in hammertoe corrections.Hammertoe surgery -- 28285 (Correction, hammertoe [e.g., interphalangeal fusion, partial or total phalangectomy]) -- is one of the most often-performed procedures by podiatrists. Our experts answer some of your biggest hammertoe coding questions, from K-wire removal to implant insertions.Can I bill for the removal of a K-wire?No, you may not bill the removal of a K-wire separately. It is bundled into the procedure. Using 10120 (Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; simple) would also be inappropriate. If the pin is outside the skin, you can't bill for it. However, if it needs to be removed because it has been cut and buried beneath the skin, try 20680 (Removal of implant; deep [e.g., buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail, rod or plate) and add modifier 78 (Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for [...]
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