Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: What code(s) would you use for the following injections My podiatrist performed tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis. They performed arthrodesis of multiple midtarsal joints with an osteotomy. I see there are several CPT^® codes to choose from for this procedure. Can you help me differentiate between these codes?

Maine Subscriber

Answer: In this case, you should report code 28735 (Arthrodesis, midtarsal or tarsometatarsal, multiple or transverse; with osteotomy (eg, flatfoot correction)). You should report code 28735 when your podiatrist performs arthrodesis of multiple of transverse midtarsal or tarsometatarsal joints with an osteotomy.

Code 28730: On the other hand, you would report 28730 (Arthrodesis, midtarsal or tarsometatarsal, multiple or transverse) when your podiatrist performs this procedure, he surgically immobilizes multiple or transverse midtarsal or tarsometatarsal joints.

Code 28740: You should report 28740 (Arthrodesis, midtarsal or tarsometatarsal, single joint) when your podiatrist performs arthrodesis of a single midtarsal or tarsometatarsal joint.

Midtarsal joints defined: The midtarsal joints are the combined joints of either the talus with the navicular bone or the calcaneum with the cuboid bone.

Tarsometatarsal joints defined: Tarsometatarsal joints can also be called are Lisfranc joints. They are the joints of the first, second, and third cuneiforms, and the cuboid with the bases of the metatarsal bones.