How To Use CPT Code 28010

CPT 28010 describes a specific procedure performed on the foot and toes. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 28010?

CPT 28010 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed on the foot and toes. It involves the percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon in a toe to correct deformities such as hammer toe. The provider makes a small incision in the skin over the tendon and divides it to lengthen the muscle, allowing the joint to straighten and correct the deformity.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 28010 is: ‘Tenotomy, percutaneous, toe; single tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. A small incision is made in the skin over the tendon to be divided.
3. The provider inserts a small cutting tool through the incision.
4. The tendon is incised to lengthen it, allowing the muscle to return to its normal length.
5. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site, and the wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 28010 is performed when there is a congenital or acquired shortening of a muscle tendon in the toe, resulting in a deformity like hammer toe. The procedure is appropriate for patients who require correction of this deformity and have not responded to non-surgical interventions. It is important to note that CPT 28010 is specific to the percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon in a toe.

5. When to use CPT code 28010

CPT code 28010 should be used when the provider performs a percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon in a toe to correct a deformity like hammer toe. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that it meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 28010, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the procedure
• Specific tendon being divided
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, tendon division, and closure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 28010, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any additional services provided. CPT 28010 should not be reported with other codes unless multiple tendons in a toe are being divided, in which case CPT code 28011 should be used. It is also important to consider the location of the testing when coding these procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT 28010 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A podiatrist performing a percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon in a patient’s toe to correct a hammer toe deformity.
2. An orthopedic surgeon dividing a tendon in a patient’s toe through a small incision to correct a congenital shortening of the muscle.
3. A foot and ankle specialist performing a percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon in a patient’s toe to address an acquired deformity.
4. A podiatric surgeon using a small cutting tool to incise a tendon in a patient’s toe, allowing the muscle to return to its normal length and correcting the toe deformity.
5. An orthopedic specialist achieving hemostasis and closing the incision after performing a percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon in a patient’s toe.
6. A foot and ankle surgeon documenting the details of a percutaneous tenotomy procedure, including the specific tendon division and closure technique.
7. A podiatrist performing a percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon in a patient’s toe, followed by suturing the soft tissue layers to close the wound.
8. An orthopedic surgeon documenting the successful correction of a hammer toe deformity through a percutaneous tenotomy procedure.
9. A foot and ankle specialist providing post-operative care instructions to a patient who underwent a percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon in their toe.
10. A podiatric surgeon obtaining the patient’s signature on the documentation of a percutaneous tenotomy procedure performed on their toe.