The New Bunionectomy Codes Are Here: Everything You Need To Know In Less Than 200 Words

Multiple modifications and deletions of the CPT codes that many of us use for first ray repair surgery went into effect January 1, 2017. Here is a summary of what you need to know.

• All proper names have been eliminated from these code descriptions. If you use a billing service and the service is reading your dictated operative notes in order to determine which first ray code to use, do not use only proper names to identify the procedure. They will not be able to find the code for an “Austin” bunionectomy in the 2017 CPT codes.
• The CPT codes 28290, 28293 and 28294 have been deleted. These no longer exist. Never use them again.
• Code CPT 28296 was modified to: Bunionectomy with distal metatarsal osteotomy.
• CPT 28295 is a new code. The description is “bunionectomy with proximal metatarsal osteotomy.”
• Code CPT 28289 has been modified to specify “hallux rigidus repair without implant.”
• CPT 28291 is a new code. The description is “hallux rigidus repair with implant.”

Dr. Lehrman is on the APMA Coding Committee, serves as an expert panelist on Codingline.com and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM). Follow him on Twitter @DrLehrman