Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert
Make Sense of Tenotomy Procedure
Question: The podiatrist treated mallet toe with an open flexor tenotomy at the plantar aspect of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ). Which procedure code should we report? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Since the podiatrist addressed one tendon and one toe, you should report 28232 (Tenotomy, open, tendon flexor; toe, single tendon (separate procedure)). Caution: There are several tenotomy codes to choose from, so make sure you pick the correct one. You would report 28232 for an open procedure, but if it was percutaneous, you could look to a code like 28010 (Tenotomy, percutaneous, toe; single tendon). Also, 28232 involves a tendon in the toe, not the foot like 28230 (Tenotomy, open, tendon flexor; foot, single or multiple tendon(s) (separate procedure)). Mallet toe definition: Mallet toe is a supple or fixed contracture (curling) of the DIPJ (end joint) of a lessertoe.
Related Articles
Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert
- Pathological Fractures:
Build Your ICD-10 Skills For Pathological Fracture Reporting Success
Hint: Don't make this common M84.4- mistake. When it comes to coding podiatry fractures, you [...] - Ankle Fractures:
Quick FAQs Clear Up Your Ankle Fracture Coding Confusion
Keep an eye out in the documentation for "bimalleolar equivalent fracture." Reporting fractures has a [...] - Gustilo Classification:
Reference the Gustilo Classification for Precise Open Ankle Fracture Coding
Hint: You must know the depth of the wound and the extent of tissue damage. [...] - You Be the Coder:
Mind Your Modifier 53 Use
Question: The podiatrist began a screw removal on an in-patient in the hospital - 20680 [...] - Reader Question:
Zero in on This CPT® Code for Closed Metatarsal Fracture Treatment
Question: The podiatrist took an X-ray of a patient who tripped and fell down the [...] - Reader Question:
Decipher Between 28755 and 28750
Question: The podiatrist performed an arthrodesis of the interphalangeal joint of the patient's great toe. [...] - Reader Question:
Make Sense of Tenotomy Procedure
Question: The podiatrist treated mallet toe with an open flexor tenotomy at the plantar aspect [...]
