How To Use CPT Code 28400

CPT 28400 describes the closed treatment of a calcaneal fracture without manipulation. 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 28400?

CPT 28400 is used to describe the closed treatment of a calcaneal fracture, which is a crack or break in the heel bone. This procedure does not involve any manipulation or adjustment of the fractured bone, and it does not require open surgery. The provider stabilizes the fracture and advises the patient on pain management techniques. A cast, brace, or splint may be used to aid in the healing process.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 28400 is: ‘Closed treatment of calcaneal fracture; without manipulation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a closed treatment of a calcaneal fracture without manipulating the fractured bone.
2. If necessary, an X-ray examination may be performed to confirm the reduction of the fracture.
3. The provider advises the patient on pain management techniques and places them in a cast, brace, or splint for approximately four to six weeks to aid in healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 28400 is appropriate for patients with a calcaneal fracture that does not require manipulation. The provider must stabilize the fracture and provide guidance on pain management. This procedure is performed without making a surgical incision or using a traction device.

5. When to use CPT code 28400

CPT code 28400 should be used when a provider performs a closed treatment of a calcaneal fracture without manipulation. If manipulation is required to realign the broken bones, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 28400, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a calcaneal fracture
• Description of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of any separately reportable X-ray examinations
• Instructions given to the patient for pain management
• Type of immobilization used (cast, brace, or splint)

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 28400, ensure that the procedure performed is a closed treatment of a calcaneal fracture without manipulation. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 28400 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 patient presents with a calcaneal fracture, and the provider performs a closed treatment without manipulation. The patient is advised on pain management techniques and placed in a cast for four weeks.
2. After an X-ray confirms a calcaneal fracture, the provider performs a closed treatment without manipulation. The patient is instructed on pain management and immobilized with a brace for six weeks.
3. A patient with a calcaneal fracture undergoes a closed treatment procedure without manipulation. The provider provides guidance on pain management and immobilizes the foot with a splint for four weeks.
4. Following an X-ray that reveals a calcaneal fracture, the provider performs a closed treatment without manipulation. The patient is educated on pain management techniques and placed in a cast for six weeks.
5. A patient presents with a calcaneal fracture, and the provider performs a closed treatment without manipulation. The patient is given instructions on pain management and immobilized with a cast for four weeks.
6. After an X-ray confirms a calcaneal fracture, the provider performs a closed treatment without manipulation. The patient is advised on pain management techniques and immobilized with a brace for six weeks.
7. A patient with a calcaneal fracture undergoes a closed treatment procedure without manipulation. The provider provides guidance on pain management and immobilizes the foot with a splint for four weeks.
8. Following an X-ray that reveals a calcaneal fracture, the provider performs a closed treatment without manipulation. The patient is educated on pain management techniques and placed in a cast for six weeks.
9. A patient presents with a calcaneal fracture, and the provider performs a closed treatment without manipulation. The patient is given instructions on pain management and immobilized with a cast for four weeks.
10. After an X-ray confirms a calcaneal fracture, the provider performs a closed treatment without manipulation. The patient is advised on pain management techniques and immobilized with a brace for six weeks.