© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 29904 refers to an arthroscopic surgical intervention performed on the subtalar joint, which is located in the lower ankle between the talus and the calcaneus bones. This joint is classified as a compound joint and is divided into two distinct compartments, separated by a space that contains the talocalcaneal and cervical ligaments. The primary goal of this procedure is to remove loose bodies or foreign bodies that may be causing pain or dysfunction within the joint. Prior to the surgical intervention, the joint is distracted, which means that the joint surfaces are separated to enhance visibility and access to the entire joint structure. During the procedure, two or three access portals are created to allow the surgeon to thoroughly examine the joint. If a loose or foreign body is identified, a specialized instrument known as a grasper is utilized to retrieve it. Following the removal of the loose or foreign body, the joint is irrigated to clear any debris and is inspected to ensure that all foreign materials have been adequately addressed. In cases where a large loose or foreign body is present and cannot be extracted through the established portals, an additional small accessory incision may be necessary to facilitate its removal.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 29904 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 29904 involves several key steps that ensure effective access and treatment of the subtalar joint.
Post-procedure care following an arthroscopy of the subtalar joint typically involves monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Patients may be advised to rest the affected foot and limit weight-bearing activities for a specified period to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess recovery and ensure that the joint is functioning properly after the removal of the loose or foreign body. Rehabilitation exercises may also be recommended to restore strength and mobility to the joint.
| Short Descr | SUBTALAR ARTHRO W/FB RMVL | Medium Descr | ARTHRS SUBTALAR JOINT REMOVE LOOSE/FOREIGN BODY | Long Descr | Arthroscopy, subtalar joint, surgical; with removal of loose body or foreign body | 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) | 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 | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; 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 | 162 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on joints |
| 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. | 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 | 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) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2008-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2008. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.