Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: The podiatrist performed a rigid hammertoe correction. Which CPT^® code should I report for this procedure?

Virginia Subscriber

Answer: When your podiatrist performs a flexible or rigid hammertoe correction, you can report this procedure with 28285 (Correction, hammertoe (eg, interphalangeal fusion, partial or total phalangectomy)).

To fix hammertoe permanently the patient will need surgery, and for rigid hammertoe, surgery is the only possible treatment option. During the procedure, the surgeon will roughen up the cartilage on the base of the middle phalanx to promote arthrofibrosis, and the complex is then straightened and fixed with a K-wire.

Hammertoe defined: Your toes two through five have two joints, and hammertoe is a bend in the first joint closer to the foot. This bend results in a curled position that resembles a hammer. Hammertoes usually develop over time due to tight shoes or arthritis. Hammertoe can also develop from motor nerve damage that causes the ligaments and tendons to become unbalanced and curl the toes downward. Hammertoe is very common in diabetics with motor neuropathy.