Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: Can you explain the surgical options for heel spurs?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: There are several CPT^® code options for heel spurs.

First, if your podiatrist excises a heel spur, with or without plantar fascial release, you should report code 28119 (Ostectomy, calcaneus; for spur, with or without plantar fascial release). Report this code regardless of whether the podiatrist makes release incisions on the stressed or irritated plantar fascia.

On the other hand, if your podiatrist removes a part of the patient’s calcaneus when he excises the spur, report 28118 (Ostectomy, calcaneus).

If your podiatrist administers an injection that included both the plantar fascia and the area around the calcaneal spur, report 20551 (Injection(s); single tendon origin/insertion). Report the appropriate J codes if your podiatrist uses corticosteroid injections to reduce the inflammation.