How To Use CPT Code 29730

CPT 29730 describes the removal or repair of casts and strapping. 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 29730?

CPT 29730 is used to describe the removal or repair of casts and strapping. It involves the provider removing a small section of a cast to inspect an underlying wound or check for skin breakdown. The provider may also change the dressing of an existing wound and repair the cast window by taping the removed section back into place to restore the structural integrity of the cast and prevent herniation of soft tissue through the window.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29730 is: ‘Removal or repair of casts and strapping; upper arm or elbow, windowing of cast.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider uses a cast saw or other cutting instrument to remove a circular or diamond-shaped section of the cast.
2. This allows for inspection of the underlying skin or dressing of an existing wound.
3. The removed section is then taped back into place to restore the structural integrity of the cast.
4. This procedure helps prevent herniation of soft tissue through the cast window.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29730 is typically used when a cast has been applied by another provider and there is a need to inspect the underlying skin or change the dressing of an existing wound. It should not be reported if your practice applied the cast, as codes in the Application of Casts and Strapping series already include these services. Additionally, if the key components of an evaluation and management (E/M) service are met, it is appropriate to report the appropriate E/M code instead of CPT 29730.

5. When to use CPT code 29730

CPT code 29730 should be used when a provider needs to remove a section of a cast to inspect the underlying skin or change the dressing of an existing wound. It is important to ensure that the cast was applied by another provider and that the removal or repair is necessary. If the key components of an E/M service are met, it may be more appropriate to report the appropriate E/M code instead of CPT 29730.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29730, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the removal or repair of the cast
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of a cast saw or other cutting instrument
• Description of the inspection or dressing change
• Method used to repair the cast window, such as taping the removed section back into place

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29730, it is important to ensure that the cast was applied by another provider and that the removal or repair is necessary. If your practice applied the cast, do not report removal or bivalving as codes in the Application of Casts and Strapping series already include these services. If the key components of an E/M service are met, it may be more appropriate to report the appropriate E/M code instead of CPT 29730. If reporting CPT 29730, do not report it with other codes in the Removal or Repair of Casts and Strapping range. Modifier 25 may be used if a separately identifiable E/M service was provided on the same day as the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 29730 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 removes a section of a cast on a patient’s upper arm to inspect an underlying wound.
2. A provider changes the dressing of an existing wound on a patient’s elbow by removing a section of the cast.
3. A provider repairs a cast window on a patient’s upper arm by taping the removed section back into place.
4. A provider removes a circular section of a cast on a patient’s elbow to prevent herniation of soft tissue through the window.
5. A provider inspects the underlying skin on a patient’s upper arm by removing a diamond-shaped section of the cast.
6. A provider changes the dressing of an existing wound on a patient’s elbow by removing a diamond-shaped section of the cast.
7. A provider repairs a cast window on a patient’s upper arm by taping the removed diamond-shaped section back into place.
8. A provider removes a section of a cast on a patient’s elbow to prevent herniation of soft tissue through the window.
9. A provider inspects the underlying skin on a patient’s upper arm by removing a circular section of the cast.
10. A provider changes the dressing of an existing wound on a patient’s elbow by removing a circular section of the cast.