How To Use CPT Code 28810

CPT 28810 describes the surgical procedure of amputation of a single metatarsal bone along with its attached toe. 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 28810?

CPT 28810 can be used to describe the surgical removal of a single metatarsal bone along with its attached toe. This procedure is performed when there is a need to amputate a specific metatarsal bone due to various reasons such as trauma, infection, or deformity. The provider makes an incision over the metatarsal bone at the tarsometatarsal joint and dissects down to access the joint. The metatarsal bone is then separated at this joint, and the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles’ tendons are ligated and divided. Finally, the metatarsal bone and its attached toe are resected or cut, and the wound is closed and dressed.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 28810 is: ‘Amputation, metatarsal, with toe, single.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the skin over the metatarsal bone to be removed at the tarsometatarsal joint.
2. The provider dissects down through the subcutaneous tissue to access the tarsometatarsal joint.
3. The provider incises the joint capsule and separates the metatarsal bone at the tarsometatarsal joint.
4. The provider ligates the blood vessels and retracts the nerves.
5. The provider transects and divides the muscles’ tendons.
6. The provider resects or cuts the metatarsal bone along with its attached toe by extending the incision.
7. The provider irrigates the wound with antibiotics and closes the wound by suturing the flaps.
8. The provider packs the wound with antiseptic gauze.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 28810 is performed when there is a need to amputate a single metatarsal bone along with its attached toe. This procedure is indicated in cases of severe trauma, infection, deformity, or other conditions that cannot be effectively treated through conservative measures. The patient must have a specific metatarsal bone that requires amputation, and the procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 28810

CPT code 28810 should be used when a provider performs the surgical amputation of a single metatarsal bone along with its attached toe. This code is appropriate when the procedure is performed on a specific metatarsal bone and its attached toe. It should not be used for amputations at other joints of the foot or toes, as there are separate codes for those procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 28810, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the amputation, such as trauma, infection, or deformity
• Specific metatarsal bone and attached toe amputated
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 28810, ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. Use additional codes if other procedures or services were performed during the same encounter. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 28810 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 podiatrist performing the amputation of the fifth metatarsal bone along with its attached toe due to severe trauma.
2. An orthopedic surgeon amputating the second metatarsal bone and its attached toe to treat a chronic infection.
3. A plastic surgeon performing the amputation of the third metatarsal bone and its attached toe to correct a severe deformity.
4. A vascular surgeon amputating the fourth metatarsal bone and its attached toe to improve blood flow in a patient with peripheral artery disease.
5. An oncologist performing the amputation of the first metatarsal bone and its attached toe to remove a malignant tumor.
6. A trauma surgeon amputating the first metatarsal bone and its attached toe as an emergency procedure following a crush injury.
7. An orthopedic surgeon performing the amputation of the second metatarsal bone and its attached toe to relieve chronic pain in a patient with arthritis.
8. A podiatrist amputating the third metatarsal bone and its attached toe to address a severe foot deformity.
9. An orthopedic surgeon performing the amputation of the fourth metatarsal bone and its attached toe to treat a non-healing foot ulcer.
10. A plastic surgeon amputating the fifth metatarsal bone and its attached toe for cosmetic reasons in a patient with a congenital anomaly.