How To Use CPT Code 29893

CPT 29893 describes the endoscopic plantar fasciotomy procedure, which is used to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis when nonsurgical treatments have failed. 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 29893?

CPT 29893 is a code used to describe the endoscopic plantar fasciotomy procedure. This procedure is performed to alleviate pain caused by plantar fasciitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the heel. It is typically used when nonsurgical treatments have not been effective in relieving the patient’s symptoms.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29893 is: ‘The provider examines the tissue inside the heel with an endoscope to access the fascia of the plantar surface, or bottom, of the foot. She incises the fascia to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the heel, when nonsurgical treatments fail.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. Two small incisions are made on either side of the heel.
3. An endoscope is inserted through one incision to visualize the structures in the heel.
4. A small scalpel is inserted through the other incision to incise the proximal medial aspect of the plantar fascia.
5. The area is irrigated, checked for bleeding, and any instruments are removed.
6. The incisions are closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

This procedure is performed on patients who have not experienced relief from plantar fasciitis through nonsurgical treatments. Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the thick band of fascia tissue across the bottom of the foot, causing stabbing foot pain. The endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is performed by a provider who examines the tissue inside the heel using an endoscope and incises the fascia to alleviate the pain.

5. When to use CPT code 29893

CPT code 29893 should be used when the endoscopic plantar fasciotomy procedure is performed to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. It is important to ensure that nonsurgical treatments have been attempted and have not provided relief before opting for this surgical procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 29893, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
• Documentation of nonsurgical treatments attempted and their lack of effectiveness
• Description of the endoscopic plantar fasciotomy procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Post-procedure care instructions
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 29893, ensure that the procedure was performed by a qualified provider and that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure. It is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid reporting a diagnostic code along with the surgical code for endoscopic plantar fasciotomy.

8. Historical information

CPT code 29893 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with chronic plantar fasciitis undergoes an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy to alleviate their foot pain.
2. After trying nonsurgical treatments without success, a patient opts for an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy to relieve their plantar fasciitis symptoms.
3. A provider performs an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy on a patient who has been experiencing severe pain from plantar fasciitis.
4. Following a thorough evaluation and failed nonsurgical treatments, a patient undergoes an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy to address their chronic plantar fasciitis.
5. A provider recommends an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy for a patient who has not experienced relief from plantar fasciitis through other treatment options.
6. After careful consideration and discussion with their provider, a patient decides to proceed with an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy to alleviate their plantar fasciitis symptoms.
7. A provider performs an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy on a patient who has been unable to participate in regular activities due to the pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
8. Following a thorough examination and discussion of treatment options, a provider and patient agree that an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is the best course of action to address the patient’s chronic plantar fasciitis.
9. A patient undergoes an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy to relieve the debilitating pain caused by their plantar fasciitis.
10. After trying various nonsurgical treatments without success, a patient decides to pursue an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy to find relief from their plantar fasciitis symptoms.