CPT Code

“Can someone please clarify the postoperative global period for a percutaneous flexor tenotomy for flexible hammertoes? I thought the postop global for CPT 28010 was ten days. I discovered that it is 90 days! Is it really the same as a bunion correction? I performed an in office flexor tenotomy successfully on one foot and now the patient requests correction for the other foot. I understand how a longer global period would discourage so called “serial surgeries” for higher reimbursements for multiple procedures on one foot. But on the opposite foot as well?”

“A friend of mine is encouraging me to change how I bill for my Lapidus bunionectomy. I typically bill this using CPT code 28297. I am being told that I should think about billing this “alternatively” as: 1) CPT 28740 2) CPT 28292 Thoughts on this?”

“I have a patient who will undergo a Cartiva implant procedure for hallux limitus/rigidus at the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. He also has lateral deviation of his hallux on the same foot and an Akin osteotomy will be performed to address this deformity. Should the Akin osteotomy be billed as a separate procedure or is that considered unbundling?”

“Can CPT code 29580 (strapping – Unna’s boot) be used for ICD code M65.871(2) in lieu of CPT code 29540? If not, what is the best ICD 10 code for CPT 29580?”

“I need some clarification on the proper coding for a paronychia on an established patient office visit. I’ve received mixed advice over the last year or so. Anything from CPT 10060 alone, to adding CPT 64450 and CPT 99212. I just want to be correct.”

“I have a patient with a hereditary floating 2nd toe, secondary to joint instability and contracture of the extensor tendon and capsular tissue. I have decided that the most appropriate surgical procedures for the correction of this situation are a V-Y skin-plasty and an extensor tendon lengthening and are coded with CPT code 14040 and CPT code 28234, respectively. However, the ICD code M20.5×2 (Other deformities of toe(s) (acquired), left foot) does not seem to be listed as a potential diagnosis for the above CPT codes. Please help!”