How To Use CPT Code 28208

CPT 28208 describes the repair of an extensor tendon in the foot. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 28208?

CPT 28208 is used to describe the repair of an extensor tendon in the foot. This code is used when a provider performs a surgical procedure to repair a torn or ruptured extensor tendon in the foot. The procedure may involve repairing the extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, or extensor hallucis brevis tendon, depending on the specific location of the injury. The repair is done by suturing or connecting the damaged ends of the tendon together.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 28208 is: ‘Repair, tendon, extensor, foot; primary or secondary, each tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made over the torn or ruptured extensor tendon in the foot.
3. The provider accesses the damaged tendon and repairs it by suturing or connecting the torn ends together.
4. The surgical field is closed, and a sterile dressing is applied.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 28208 is used when a patient has a torn or ruptured extensor tendon in the foot that requires surgical repair. The procedure can be performed as a primary repair, immediately after the acute injury, or as a secondary repair, weeks or more after the initial injury. It is important to differentiate this code from CPT 28210, which is used for secondary foot extensor tendon repair requiring a graft.

5. When to use CPT code 28208

CPT code 28208 should be used when a provider performs a surgical repair of an extensor tendon in the foot. This code is appropriate for both primary and secondary repairs. It is important to accurately document the specific tendon repaired and whether it is a primary or secondary repair.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 28208, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for extensor tendon repair
• Specific tendon repaired (extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, or extensor hallucis brevis)
• Type of repair (primary or secondary)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 28208, ensure that the procedure performed is a repair of an extensor tendon in the foot. Follow payer instructions for reporting multiple units using appropriate modifiers. It is important to distinguish this code from CPT 28210, which involves a secondary repair with a graft. Report CPT code 28208 per tendon repaired.

8. Historical information

CPT code 28208 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 patient sustains an acute injury to the extensor digitorum longus tendon in their foot and undergoes immediate surgical repair.
2. A patient presents with a chronic tear in the extensor hallucis longus tendon in their foot and undergoes a secondary repair several weeks after the initial injury.
3. A provider performs a primary repair of the extensor hallucis brevis tendon in a patient’s foot after an acute injury.
4. A patient undergoes a secondary repair of the extensor digitorum longus tendon in their foot, which requires a graft.
5. A provider performs a primary repair of the extensor hallucis longus tendon in a patient’s foot after an acute injury.
6. A patient sustains a chronic tear in the extensor hallucis brevis tendon in their foot and undergoes a secondary repair with a graft.
7. A provider performs a primary repair of the extensor digitorum longus tendon in a patient’s foot after an acute injury.
8. A patient presents with a chronic tear in the extensor hallucis longus tendon in their foot and undergoes a secondary repair several weeks after the initial injury.
9. A provider performs a primary repair of the extensor hallucis brevis tendon in a patient’s foot after an acute injury.
10. A patient undergoes a secondary repair of the extensor digitorum longus tendon in their foot, which requires a graft.