“We have a debate in my group about coding for a combination of bunion procedures. I performed an Akin bunionectomy and a Mcbride bunionectomy on the same foot. Are these procedures to billed separately or should I use CPT 28299?”
There really should not be a debate regarding the appropriate CPT code to bill for hallux valgus corrections/bunionectomies whether they are single procedures or combination procedures. As of January 1, 2017 the CPT codes for hallux valgus corrections/bunionectomies were all updated as were the definitions for all of the CPT codes that apply. These have been printed in the CPT Manual every year since 2017.
Here they are:
CPT 28289 Hallux rigidus correction with cheilectomy, debridement and capsular release of the first MPJ; without implant
CPT 28291 Hallux rigidus correction with cheilectomy, debridement and capsular release of the first MPJ; with implant
CPT 28292 Correction, hallux valgus[bunionectomy], with sesamoidectomy, when performed, with resection of proximal phalangeal
base, when performed, any method
CPT 28295 Correction, hallux valgus [bunionectomy], with sesamoidectomy, when performed, with proximal metatarsal osteotomy any method
CPT 28296 Correction hallux valgus [bunionectomy], with sesamoidectomy, when performed, with distal metatarsal osteotomy, any
method
CPT 28297 Correction,hallux valgus[bunionectomy],with sesamoidectomy, when performed, with 1st metatarsal medial cuneiform joint arthrodesis, any method
CPT 28298 Correction, hallux valgus[bunionectomy], with sesamoidectomy, when performed, with proximal phalangeal osteotomy, any method
CPT 28299 Correction, hallux valgus[bunionectomy], with sesamoidectomy, when performed, with double osteotomy, any method
As far as the procedure that was mentioned in the above post, an Akin bunionectomy and a Mcbride bunionectomy on the same foot, the most appropriate CPT code to bill is CPT code 28298. CPT code 28299 can only be used when there are two anatomically separate osteotomies performed within the 1st metatarsal or within the 1st metatarsal and the proximal phalanx of the great toe.
This is my opinion.
Michael G. Warshaw
DPM, CPC
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