How To Use CPT Code 28510

CPT 28510 describes the closed treatment of a fracture in a phalanx or phalanges of a toe other than the great toe 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 28510?

CPT 28510 can be used to describe the closed treatment of a fracture in a phalanx or phalanges of a toe other than the great toe without manipulation. This code is used when the provider immobilizes the fractured bone using a splint or brace for a period of four weeks.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 28510 is: ‘Closed treatment of fracture, phalanx or phalanges, other than great toe; without manipulation, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia if necessary.
2. The provider performs closed treatment of the fracture in a phalanx or phalanges of a toe other than the great toe without manipulating or adjusting the fractured bone.
3. The provider immobilizes the fractured bone using a splint or brace.
4. The patient is instructed to keep the splint or brace in place for a period of four weeks.
5. An X-ray examination may be performed to confirm the reduction of the fracture.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 28510 services are those with a fracture in a phalanx or phalanges of a toe other than the great toe that does not require manipulation or adjustment. The provider must immobilize the fractured bone using a splint or brace. This code is specific to fractures in the toes and should not be used for fractures in other parts of the foot or body.

5. When to use CPT code 28510

CPT code 28510 should be used when the provider performs closed treatment of a fracture in a phalanx or phalanges of a toe other than the great toe without manipulation. This code should not be used if manipulation or adjustment of the fractured bone is performed. If manipulation is performed, CPT code 28515 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 28510, the provider must document the following information:

• The diagnosis of a fracture in a phalanx or phalanges of a toe other than the great toe
• The use of a splint or brace for immobilization
• The duration of immobilization (four weeks)
• Any X-ray examination performed to confirm the reduction of the fracture

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 28510, ensure that the provider performs closed treatment of a fracture in a phalanx or phalanges of a toe other than the great toe without manipulation. This code should not be reported with other codes for manipulation or open treatment of fractures in the toes. It is important to accurately document the services provided to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 28510 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 provider performs closed treatment of a fracture in the phalanx of the second toe without manipulation, immobilizing it with a splint for four weeks.
2. A patient presents with a fracture in the phalanges of the fourth toe. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a brace for four weeks.
3. A provider diagnoses a fracture in the phalanx of the third toe and performs closed treatment without manipulation, using a splint for immobilization.
4. A patient sustains a fracture in the phalanges of the fifth toe. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, instructing the patient to wear a splint for four weeks.
5. A provider treats a fracture in the phalanx of the second toe without manipulation, applying a brace for immobilization.
6. A patient presents with a fracture in the phalanges of the fourth toe. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, immobilizing it with a splint for four weeks.
7. A provider diagnoses a fracture in the phalanx of the third toe and performs closed treatment without manipulation, using a brace for immobilization.
8. A patient sustains a fracture in the phalanges of the fifth toe. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, instructing the patient to wear a splint for four weeks.
9. A provider treats a fracture in the phalanx of the second toe without manipulation, applying a splint for immobilization.
10. A patient presents with a fracture in the phalanges of the fourth toe. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, immobilizing it with a brace for four weeks.