Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
CaseConsultant
Instant Email Coding Consultant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Closed treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation; requiring anesthesia

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 28665 refers to the closed treatment of an interphalangeal joint dislocation that necessitates the use of anesthesia. This procedure is specifically aimed at addressing dislocations occurring in the joints between the phalanges of the toes. The process begins with a thorough evaluation of the neurovascular status of the toes to ensure there are no underlying complications. Following this assessment, radiographs, or X-rays, are obtained to visualize the dislocation and confirm the diagnosis. The closed reduction technique involves applying longitudinal traction to the affected toe while simultaneously exerting pressure on the involved phalangeal bones to realign the joint. After the reduction is successfully performed, the neurovascular status is re-evaluated, and a second set of radiographs is taken to verify the proper alignment of the joint. To facilitate healing and prevent further injury, the foot is then immobilized in a splint, and the patient receives instructions to ice and elevate the foot to manage swelling and discomfort. It is important to note that CPT® Code 28660 should be used when the dislocation is treated without the need for anesthesia, while CPT® Code 28665 is specifically designated for cases requiring anesthesia during the procedure.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 28665, is indicated for patients presenting with dislocations of the joints between the phalanges of the toes. This procedure is typically performed when the dislocation is accompanied by significant pain, swelling, and functional impairment of the affected toe. The use of anesthesia is warranted in cases where the dislocation is severe enough to require pain management during the reduction process.

  • Dislocation of the interphalangeal joint This procedure is indicated for patients who have sustained a dislocation of the joint between the phalanges of the toes, which may result from trauma or injury.
  • Severe pain and swelling Patients experiencing significant pain and swelling in the affected toe may require this procedure to alleviate discomfort and restore function.
  • Functional impairment When the dislocation leads to an inability to move the toe or bear weight, the closed treatment is indicated to restore normal function.

2. Procedure

The closed treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation involves several critical procedural steps to ensure effective realignment and stabilization of the joint. Initially, the healthcare provider evaluates the neurovascular status of the toes to assess blood flow and nerve function, which is crucial for determining the extent of the injury and planning the treatment. Following this evaluation, the provider obtains separately reportable radiographs to visualize the dislocation and confirm the diagnosis. Once the dislocation is confirmed, the closed reduction technique is employed. This involves applying longitudinal traction to the affected toe while simultaneously exerting pressure on the involved phalangeal bones. The goal of this step is to realign the dislocated joint without making any incisions. After the reduction is successfully performed, the neurovascular status is re-evaluated to ensure that the blood flow and nerve function have not been compromised during the procedure. A second set of radiographs is then obtained to verify that the joint has been properly aligned. Finally, to promote healing and prevent further injury, the foot is immobilized in a splint. The patient is also instructed on post-procedure care, which includes icing and elevating the foot to manage swelling and discomfort.

  • Step 1: Neurovascular evaluation The procedure begins with an assessment of the neurovascular status of the toes to ensure proper blood flow and nerve function.
  • Step 2: Obtain radiographs Separately reportable radiographs are obtained to visualize the dislocation and confirm the diagnosis.
  • Step 3: Closed reduction Longitudinal traction is applied to the toe, along with pressure on the involved phalangeal bones, to realign the dislocated joint.
  • Step 4: Re-evaluate neurovascular status After reduction, the neurovascular status is again evaluated to ensure no complications have arisen.
  • Step 5: Obtain second set of radiographs A second set of radiographs is taken to confirm the proper alignment of the joint post-reduction.
  • Step 6: Immobilization and post-care instructions The foot is immobilized in a splint, and the patient is instructed to ice and elevate the foot to manage swelling.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment of the interphalangeal joint dislocation, the patient is advised on several important post-procedure care measures. The foot is immobilized in a splint to provide stability and support during the healing process. Patients are instructed to ice the affected area to reduce swelling and alleviate pain, as well as to elevate the foot to further minimize swelling. It is essential for patients to monitor their neurovascular status, looking for any signs of compromised blood flow or nerve function, such as numbness, tingling, or increased pain. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess the healing process and to obtain additional radiographs if needed. Patients should also be advised on activity restrictions to prevent re-injury and to allow for proper recovery.

Short Descr TREAT TOE DISLOCATION
Medium Descr CLTX INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT DISLOCATION REQ ANES
Long Descr Closed treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation; requiring anesthesia
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 3
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
T6 Right foot, second digit
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
F9 Right hand, fifth digit
T1 Left foot, second digit
T2 Left foot, third digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
T7 Right foot, third digit
T8 Right foot, fourth digit
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
TA Left foot, great toe
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"