How To Use CPT Code 28001

CPT 28001 describes the procedure of incision and drainage of a bursa in the foot. This article will cover the official description, the detailed procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 28001?

CPT 28001 is used to describe the incision and drainage of a bursa in the foot. It involves the provider making an incision in the skin of the foot to gain access to the infected bursa. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that lies between the muscle, tendon, and bones. The procedure aims to drain the fluid from the infected bursa to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 28001 is: ‘Incision and drainage, bursa, foot.’

3. Procedure

1. After appropriate preparation and anesthesia, the provider makes an incision in the skin of the foot to expose the infected bursa.
2. The provider then incises the bursa and drains the fluid by inserting a catheter.
3. Once the drainage is complete, the provider removes the catheter and proceeds to close the wound by suturing the skin in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 28001 is performed when there is an infected bursa in the foot that requires drainage. The procedure is typically indicated when conservative treatments, such as antibiotics, have failed to resolve the infection. The patient must have a documented diagnosis of an infected bursa in the foot, and the procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 28001

CPT code 28001 should be used when the provider performs an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot. It is important to ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 28001, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of an infected bursa in the foot
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, drainage, and closure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 28001, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any associated services provided. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling rules that may apply to the specific circumstances of the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 28001 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A podiatrist performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of a patient with recurrent bursitis.
2. An orthopedic surgeon performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of a patient with a traumatic injury.
3. A foot and ankle specialist performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of a patient with a chronic inflammatory condition.
4. A sports medicine physician performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of an athlete with overuse-related bursitis.
5. A general surgeon performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of a patient with an underlying systemic infection.
6. A podiatrist performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of a patient with a history of diabetes and compromised immune function.
7. An orthopedic surgeon performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of a patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis.
8. A foot and ankle specialist performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of a patient with a history of gout.
9. A sports medicine physician performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of an athlete with a recent traumatic injury.
10. A general surgeon performing an incision and drainage procedure on an infected bursa in the foot of a patient with a history of immunosuppression.