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The procedure described by CPT® Code 28297 involves the surgical correction of hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, which is characterized by a lateral deviation of the great toe. This correction is achieved through a bunionectomy, which entails the excision of the medial eminence of the first metatarsal bone. Additionally, the procedure may include a sesamoidectomy, which is the removal of the sesamoid bones if they are fractured or inflamed. A critical component of this procedure is the arthrodesis, or joint fusion, of the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform joint, which stabilizes the corrected position of the bones. The surgical approach typically involves a dorsal incision over the metatarsophalangeal joint, allowing for the dissection of soft tissues and exposure of the joint capsule. The procedure aims to alleviate pain, restore proper alignment, and improve function of the foot by addressing both the structural deformity and any associated soft tissue issues.
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The procedure is indicated for patients presenting with hallux valgus, which may be associated with symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and difficulty in ambulation. The following conditions warrant the performance of this surgical intervention:
The surgical procedure involves several critical steps to ensure the effective correction of hallux valgus:
Post-procedure care involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring proper healing. Patients are typically advised to limit weight-bearing activities on the affected foot for a specified period to allow for adequate recovery. Pain management strategies may be implemented, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess the healing process and the success of the joint fusion. Rehabilitation exercises may be introduced gradually to restore mobility and strength in the foot.
| Short Descr | COR HLX VLGS JT ARTHRD | Medium Descr | CORRJ HLX VLGS BNCTY SESMDC JOINT ARTHRODESIS | Long Descr | Correction, hallux valgus with bunionectomy, with sesamoidectomy when performed; with first metatarsal and medial cuneiform joint arthrodesis, any method | 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) | 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 | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 143 - Bunionectomy or repair of toe deformities |
| 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) | T5 | Right foot, great toe | TA | Left foot, great toe | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | 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). | 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). | 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). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | F5 | Right hand, thumb | FA | Left hand, thumb | 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 | T1 | Left foot, second digit | T2 | Left foot, third digit | T4 | Left foot, fifth digit | T6 | Right foot, second digit | T7 | Right foot, third digit | T8 | Right foot, fourth digit | T9 | Right foot, fifth digit | 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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| 2024-01-01 | Changed | Short, Medium, and Long Descriptions changed. Guideline added. |
| 2017-01-01 | Changed | Long, Medium and Short descriptions changed. |
| 2006-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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