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Official Description

Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor, tarsal or metatarsal, except talus or calcaneus;

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 28104 refers to the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor located in the tarsal or metatarsal bones, excluding the talus or calcaneus. A bone cyst is defined as a fluid-filled cavity within the bone, which can vary in type and presentation. The most common form is the unicameral or simple bone cyst, recognized as a benign lesion that typically does not pose significant health risks. Another type, the aneurysmal bone cyst, is characterized by a vascular structure surrounding a blood-filled cystic lesion, which may require more complex management. Additionally, benign bone tumors such as giant cell tumors, chondromyxoid fibromas, and enchondromas can also necessitate surgical intervention. The procedure associated with CPT® Code 28104 involves making an incision over the affected area of the tarsal or metatarsal bone, followed by careful dissection of the surrounding soft tissues to expose the lesion. If a cystic lesion is identified, the surgeon creates a window in the bone to access the cyst, aspirating its fluid for laboratory analysis. The curettage process involves using a curette to meticulously remove the lining of the cystic cavity. In cases where benign tumors are present, the excision technique is employed, which entails removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy bone to ensure complete removal and minimize the risk of recurrence.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28104 is indicated for the treatment of specific conditions affecting the tarsal or metatarsal bones, particularly when a bone cyst or benign tumor is present. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Bone Cyst A fluid-filled cavity within the bone that may cause pain, swelling, or functional impairment.
  • Benign Tumor Non-cancerous growths in the bone that can lead to discomfort or structural issues, necessitating removal.
  • Unicameral Bone Cyst A common type of benign lesion that may require excision if symptomatic or causing complications.
  • Aneurysmal Bone Cyst A less common but more complex cyst that may require surgical intervention due to its vascular nature.
  • Giant Cell Tumor A type of benign tumor that can be aggressive and may require excision to prevent further complications.
  • Chondromyxoid Fibroma A rare benign tumor that may necessitate surgical removal if symptomatic.
  • Enchondroma A benign cartilaginous tumor that may require excision if it causes pain or functional limitations.

2. Procedure

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 28104 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective excision or curettage of the bone cyst or benign tumor. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Incision The surgeon begins by making an incision in the skin directly over the site of the lesion located in either a tarsal bone (excluding the talus) or a metatarsal bone. This incision allows access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 2: Dissection Following the incision, the surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues surrounding the lesion to expose it fully. This step is crucial for visualizing the lesion and planning the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 3: Bone Incision If a cystic lesion is identified, the surgeon incises the bone to create a window that provides access to the cyst. This window allows for the aspiration of the cystic fluid, which is collected for laboratory analysis.
  • Step 4: Curettage A curette is then inserted through the created bone window to remove the lining of the cystic cavity completely. This step is essential to ensure that the cyst does not recur.
  • Step 5: Excision of Benign Tumor In cases where a benign tumor is present, the procedure involves excising the tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy bone. This technique helps to ensure complete removal and reduce the risk of recurrence.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 28104, post-operative care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Pain management strategies may be implemented to address discomfort following the surgery. The surgical site will require appropriate dressing and care to promote healing. Patients may be advised to limit weight-bearing activities on the affected foot for a specified period to allow for proper recovery. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess healing and determine if any further interventions are necessary. Additionally, any laboratory results from the aspirated fluid will be reviewed to guide further management if needed.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF FOOT LESION
Medium Descr EXC/CURTG BONE CYST/B9 TUMORTARSAL/METATARSAL
Long Descr Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor, tarsal or metatarsal, except talus or calcaneus;
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 142 - Partial excision bone
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
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.
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.
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.)
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.)
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).
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
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
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
T6 Right foot, second digit
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
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Action
Notes
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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