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Official Description

Tenotomy, percutaneous, toe; multiple tendons

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28011 refers to a percutaneous tenotomy of multiple tendons in the toe. A tenotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the cutting or severing of a tendon to relieve tension or to correct a deformity. In this specific case, the procedure is performed through a small stab incision made directly over the flexor or extensor tendons that are targeted for incision. This minimally invasive approach allows for the precise release of multiple tendons, which can be beneficial in treating conditions that affect the toe's range of motion. After the tendons are incised, the physician evaluates the range of motion to assess the effectiveness of the procedure. The small incision is then typically closed using sutures or Steri-Strips, ensuring minimal scarring and promoting quicker recovery. It is important to note that CPT® Code 28010 is designated for the tenotomy of a single tendon, while CPT® Code 28011 is specifically used for cases involving multiple tendons.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of percutaneous tenotomy of multiple tendons in the toe, as described by CPT® Code 28011, is indicated for various conditions that may impair the function or range of motion of the toe. These indications may include:

  • Contractures - Conditions where the tendons are shortened, leading to limited movement of the toe.
  • Deformities - Structural abnormalities of the toe that may require tendon release to restore normal alignment and function.
  • Flexor or Extensor Tendon Dysfunction - Situations where the tendons are not functioning properly, causing pain or mobility issues.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a percutaneous tenotomy of multiple tendons in the toe involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, and the toe area is cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. Local anesthesia may be administered to ensure the patient remains comfortable during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision A small stab incision is made directly over the targeted flexor or extensor tendons in the toe. This incision is designed to be minimal, allowing for a less invasive approach to the procedure.
  • Step 3: Tendon Incision The surgeon carefully incises the identified tendons, severing or releasing them as necessary. This step is crucial for alleviating tension and restoring proper function to the toe.
  • Step 4: Evaluation After the tendons have been incised, the range of motion of the toe is evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the procedure. This assessment helps ensure that the desired outcome has been achieved.
  • Step 5: Closure The small stab incision is then closed using sutures or Steri-Strips, which helps to promote healing and minimize scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the percutaneous tenotomy of multiple tendons in the toe, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. It is important to monitor the incision site for any signs of infection or complications. Patients may be advised to keep the area clean and dry, and to follow any specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding activity restrictions. Pain management may be necessary, and the physician may recommend over-the-counter pain relief or prescribe medication as needed. Rehabilitation exercises may also be introduced to help restore strength and flexibility in the toe as healing progresses. The expected recovery time can vary based on individual circumstances, but patients should be informed about the importance of follow-up appointments to assess healing and functional recovery.

Short Descr INCISION OF TOE TENDONS
Medium Descr TENOTOMY PERCUTANEOUS TOE MULTIPLE TENDON
Long Descr Tenotomy, percutaneous, toe; multiple tendons
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
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) 1 - Statutory 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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
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 4
CCS Clinical Classification 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons
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).
T6 Right foot, second digit
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
T7 Right foot, third digit
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
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.)
T2 Left foot, third digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T1 Left foot, second digit
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
T8 Right foot, fourth digit
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
ER Items and services furnished by a provider-based, off-campus emergency department
F8 Right hand, fourth digit
F9 Right hand, fifth digit
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
TA Left foot, great toe
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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