How To Use CPT Code 29440

CPT 29440 describes the addition of a removable walker to an existing leg cast or the application of a rubber pad to the heel of the cast. 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 29440?

CPT 29440 can be used to describe the procedure of adding a removable walker to an existing leg cast or applying a rubber pad to the heel of the cast. This code is used when the provider modifies the cast to accommodate the walking shoe or applies the rubber pad to enhance the patient’s ability to bear weight.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29440 is: ‘Adding walker to previously applied cast or applying rubber pad to heel of cast.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for adding a removable walker or applying a rubber pad to the cast.
2. If a removable walker is needed, the provider fits it to the existing leg cast, making any necessary modifications to ensure a proper fit.
3. If a rubber pad is needed, the provider applies it to the heel of the cast to enhance weight-bearing ability.
4. The provider ensures that the addition of the walker or rubber pad does not compromise the integrity of the cast or the patient’s safety.
5. Any necessary adjustments or modifications are made to the cast to accommodate the walker or rubber pad.
6. The provider educates the patient on how to use the walker or the precautions to take with the rubber pad.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 29440 services are those who have an existing leg cast and require the addition of a removable walker or a rubber pad to enhance weight-bearing ability. The provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for these modifications. The procedure should be performed when the patient is permitted to bear weight and when it is deemed safe to add the walker or rubber pad to the cast.

5. When to use CPT code 29440

CPT code 29440 should be used when the provider adds a removable walker to an existing leg cast or applies a rubber pad to the heel of the cast. It is important to ensure that the patient is in a stage of treatment where weight-bearing is permitted and that the addition of the walker or rubber pad is necessary for the patient’s mobility and safety.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29440, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for adding a walker or applying a rubber pad
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the modifications made to the cast
• Instructions provided to the patient regarding the use of the walker or precautions with the rubber pad
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29440, ensure that the procedure involves the addition of a removable walker or the application of a rubber pad to an existing leg cast. It is important to follow the guidelines of the payer regarding the reimbursement for orthotics training. If an evaluation and management (E/M) service is also provided on the same day, the appropriate E/M code should be reported with modifier 25 to indicate a separately identifiable service.

8. Historical information

CPT 29440 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 adds a removable walker to an existing leg cast for a patient who is permitted to bear weight.
2. A provider applies a rubber pad to the heel of a leg cast to enhance the patient’s ability to bear weight.
3. A provider modifies an existing leg cast to accommodate a removable walker for a patient who needs mobility support.
4. A provider applies a rubber pad to the heel of a leg cast to improve weight-bearing ability for a patient in the later stages of treatment.
5. A provider adds a removable walker to an existing leg cast to assist a patient in walking and weight-bearing.
6. A provider applies a rubber pad to the heel of a leg cast to provide stability and support for a patient.
7. A provider modifies an existing leg cast to accommodate a removable walker for a patient who requires assistance with mobility.
8. A provider applies a rubber pad to the heel of a leg cast to alleviate pressure and discomfort during weight-bearing.
9. A provider adds a removable walker to an existing leg cast to facilitate the patient’s rehabilitation and mobility.
10. A provider applies a rubber pad to the heel of a leg cast to improve the patient’s ability to walk and bear weight.