How To Use CPT Code 28220

CPT 28220 describes the procedure for tenolysis of a single flexor tendon in the foot. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 28220?

CPT 28220 is used to describe the surgical procedure of tenolysis, specifically for a single flexor tendon in the foot. This procedure involves the removal of adhesions that affect the tendon, allowing for improved movement and reduced pain caused by tendonitis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 28220 is: ‘Tenolysis, flexor, foot; single tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made on the plantar aspect of the foot.
3. The provider carefully dissects the soft tissue, being cautious not to damage underlying blood vessels and nerves.
4. The flexor tendon is identified.
5. Using a blunt scalpel and forceps, the provider removes the adhesions surrounding the tendon.
6. The soft tissue is then closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 28220 is performed on patients who have adhesions affecting a single flexor tendon in the foot. These adhesions typically result from inflammation or injury during surgery and can cause pain and limited movement. The procedure is intended to alleviate these symptoms and improve the patient’s condition.

5. When to use CPT code 28220

CPT code 28220 should be used when a provider performs tenolysis on a single flexor tendon in the foot. It is important to ensure that the procedure is specifically targeting a single tendon and not multiple tendons. If adhesiolysis is performed on two or more tendons, CPT code 28222 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 28220, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of adhesions affecting a single flexor tendon in the foot
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site and the removal of adhesions
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 28220, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed is specifically for a single flexor tendon in the foot. If the provider performs adhesiolysis on two or more tendons, CPT code 28222 should be used instead. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT code 28220 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 provider performs tenolysis on a single flexor tendon in the foot to alleviate pain and improve movement for a patient with tendonitis.
2. During a surgical procedure, a provider removes adhesions affecting a single flexor tendon in the foot, allowing for improved mobility and reduced pain.
3. A patient undergoes tenolysis on a single flexor tendon in the foot to address limited movement and discomfort caused by adhesions.
4. A provider performs tenolysis on a single flexor tendon in the foot to improve the patient’s ability to walk and perform daily activities without pain.
5. During a surgical procedure, a provider carefully removes adhesions surrounding a single flexor tendon in the foot, resulting in improved function and reduced discomfort for the patient.
6. A patient with tendonitis undergoes tenolysis on a single flexor tendon in the foot to alleviate pain and restore normal movement.
7. A provider performs tenolysis on a single flexor tendon in the foot to address adhesions that are causing pain and limiting the patient’s ability to flex their foot.
8. During a surgical procedure, a provider removes adhesions affecting a single flexor tendon in the foot, allowing for improved range of motion and reduced pain for the patient.
9. A patient undergoes tenolysis on a single flexor tendon in the foot to address adhesions that are causing discomfort and hindering their ability to walk properly.
10. A provider performs tenolysis on a single flexor tendon in the foot to alleviate pain and improve the patient’s ability to perform activities that require flexion of the foot.