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Official Description

Capsulotomy; interphalangeal joint, each joint (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 28272 refers to a capsulotomy procedure specifically targeting the interphalangeal joint, classified as a separate procedure. A capsulotomy involves making an incision over the affected joint to access and release the joint capsule, which may be contracted due to various conditions. This procedure is typically indicated for patients experiencing joint contractures that limit movement and cause discomfort. During the capsulotomy, the surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues surrounding the joint to expose the joint capsule. Once the capsule is accessed, fibrous tissue that contributes to the contracture is meticulously dissected to facilitate the release of the joint. It is important to note that this procedure can be performed with or without the need for suture repair of one or more tendons associated with the joint. For capsulotomy of the metatarsophalangeal joint, the appropriate code to use is 28270, while 28272 is specifically designated for the interphalangeal joint.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 28272 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Joint Contracture - This procedure is performed to address contractures of the interphalangeal joint, which can restrict movement and cause pain.
  • Limited Range of Motion - Patients who experience a significant reduction in the range of motion due to fibrous tissue formation around the joint may benefit from this intervention.
  • Discomfort or Pain - Individuals suffering from discomfort or pain associated with joint contractures may require a capsulotomy to alleviate symptoms.

2. Procedure

The capsulotomy procedure for the interphalangeal joint involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration - The procedure typically begins with the administration of local or general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the operation.
  • Step 2: Incision - A surgical incision is made over the affected interphalangeal joint. The location and length of the incision may vary based on the specific joint being treated and the extent of the contracture.
  • Step 3: Dissection of Soft Tissues - The surgeon carefully dissects the surrounding soft tissues to expose the joint capsule. This step is crucial for accessing the underlying structures without causing unnecessary damage to adjacent tissues.
  • Step 4: Exposure of the Joint Capsule - Once the soft tissues are adequately dissected, the joint capsule is exposed. This allows the surgeon to visualize the fibrous tissue contributing to the contracture.
  • Step 5: Release of Contracture - The fibrous tissue that is causing the contracture is meticulously dissected and released. This step is essential for restoring normal joint function and alleviating symptoms.
  • Step 6: Closure - After the contracture is released, the surgeon may choose to repair any tendons if necessary. The incision is then closed using sutures or other closure methods, depending on the surgeon's preference and the specific case.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the capsulotomy of the interphalangeal joint, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve rest and limited movement of the affected joint to promote healing. Post-operative care instructions will typically include pain management strategies, wound care, and guidelines for gradually resuming activities. Physical therapy may also be recommended to restore strength and range of motion in the joint. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider's recommendations to ensure optimal recovery and prevent complications.

Short Descr RELEASE OF TOE JOINT EACH
Medium Descr CAPSULOTOMY IPHAL JOINT EACH JOINT SPX
Long Descr Capsulotomy; interphalangeal joint, each joint (separate procedure)
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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
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 Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 6
CCS Clinical Classification 150 - Division of joint capsule, ligament or cartilage
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.
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).
T1 Left foot, second digit
T6 Right foot, second digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T8 Right foot, fourth digit
T2 Left foot, third digit
T7 Right foot, third digit
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
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).
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).
99 Multiple modifiers: under certain circumstances 2 or more modifiers may be necessary to completely delineate a service. in such situations modifier 99 should be added to the basic procedure, and other applicable modifiers may be listed as part of the description of the service.
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
F4 Left hand, fifth digit
F9 Right hand, fifth digit
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T5 Right foot, great toe
TA Left foot, great toe
TL Early intervention/individualized family service plan (ifsp)
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
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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