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The procedure described by CPT® Code 29907 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 perform a subtalar arthrodesis, which involves fusing the subtalar joint to alleviate pain and restore function. During the surgery, the joint is first distracted to create space between the joint surfaces, allowing for better visualization and access. Multiple portals are established to facilitate the examination and treatment of the joint. The procedure includes the removal of abnormal cartilage and preparation of the bone surfaces to ensure they are in full contact, which is essential for successful fusion. Stabilization of the bones is achieved using temporary fixation devices, and if necessary, allografting may be employed to assist in the fusion process. The final steps involve irrigating the joint to clear debris, removing the arthroscope, and positioning the foot appropriately to promote optimal healing.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 29907 is indicated for patients experiencing specific conditions related to the subtalar joint. These indications may include:
The surgical procedure for CPT® Code 29907 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the subtalar joint. These steps include:
After the completion of the arthroscopic subtalar joint surgery, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. The foot will be immobilized in a brace or splint to maintain the neutral plantigrade position and support the healing process. Patients are typically advised to limit weight-bearing activities for a designated period to promote proper fusion and recovery. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor healing progress, assess joint stability, and determine when rehabilitation can begin. Pain management strategies may also be implemented to address any discomfort during the recovery phase. Overall, adherence to post-operative instructions is crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes following the procedure.
| Short Descr | SUBTALAR ARTHRO W/FUSION | Medium Descr | ARTHROSCOPY SUBTALAR JOINT SUBTALAR ARTHRODESIS | Long Descr | Arthroscopy, subtalar joint, surgical; with subtalar arthrodesis | 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 | 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) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 162 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on joints |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 20705 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Removal of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | 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 | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 |
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| 2008-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2008. |
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