Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Osteotomy, tarsal bones, other than calcaneus or talus;

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28304 involves an osteotomy of the tarsal bones, specifically targeting the navicular, cuboid, and/or cuneiform bones, excluding the calcaneus or talus. This surgical intervention is primarily indicated for the correction of congenital or acquired deformities of the foot, such as pes cavus, which is characterized by an excessively high arch. The term "midtarsal osteotomy" is often used to refer to this type of procedure, highlighting its focus on the midtarsal region of the foot. In this specific code, the osteotomy is performed without the use of bone autograft, distinguishing it from other procedures that may require grafting. The surgical technique involves careful exposure of the targeted bones while ensuring the protection of surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. The procedure typically includes making precise cuts in the bone to facilitate the realignment of the foot, thereby correcting the deformity. The apex of the V-shaped osteotomy is strategically oriented at the apex of the pes cavus, which is usually located at the navicular bone. Following the osteotomy, the forefoot is shifted in a dorsal direction to elevate it and achieve the desired correction. Radiographic verification of alignment is performed, and pins are placed to maintain the foot's position during the healing process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28304 is indicated for the treatment of specific foot deformities. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this osteotomy:

  • Congenital Deformities - These are structural abnormalities of the foot present at birth that may require surgical intervention to correct.
  • Acquired Deformities - These deformities develop over time due to various factors, including injury, disease, or abnormal foot mechanics, necessitating surgical correction.
  • Pes Cavus - A specific type of foot deformity characterized by an excessively high arch, which can lead to pain and functional limitations.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 28304 involves several critical steps to ensure effective correction of the foot deformity. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Exposure of Tarsal Bones - The surgeon begins by making an incision to expose the navicular, cuboid, and cuneiform bones. Care is taken to protect the underlying nerves, blood vessels, and tendons during this process to prevent any potential damage.
  • Step 2: Creation of the Osteotomy - A V-shaped osteotomy is performed, with the apex of the V oriented at the apex of the pes cavus, typically located at the navicular bone. The lateral limb of the cut extends through the cuboid bone, while the medial limb extends through the first cuneiform bone.
  • Step 3: Dorsal Shift of the Forefoot - Once the osteotomy cuts are made, the forefoot is shifted in a dorsal direction. This maneuver elevates the forefoot and corrects the pes cavus deformity, allowing for improved foot alignment.
  • Step 4: Verification of Alignment - After the forefoot has been repositioned, radiographic imaging is utilized to verify that the alignment is correct. This step is crucial to ensure that the surgical correction has been successful.
  • Step 5: Stabilization of the Foot - To maintain the foot in the corrected alignment, pins are placed at the osteotomy site. This stabilization is essential for proper healing and to prevent any displacement during the recovery period.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the osteotomy, post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, and instructions regarding weight-bearing activities are provided. A short leg cast may be applied to immobilize the foot and ensure that the bones heal in the correct position. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess healing and alignment through radiographic evaluations. Patients may also receive guidance on rehabilitation exercises to restore function and strength to the foot as healing progresses.

Short Descr INCISION OF MIDFOOT BONES
Medium Descr OSTEOTOMY TARSAL BONES OTH/THN CALCANEUS/TALUS
Long Descr Osteotomy, tarsal bones, other than calcaneus or talus;
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 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 1
CCS Clinical Classification 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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).
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
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
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
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)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T1 Left foot, second digit
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T6 Right foot, second digit
T7 Right foot, third digit
T8 Right foot, fourth digit
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
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"