gQEsSsAorL)'+ _'B>-Sy"NJLDY;sf&sN37Xej-MdiXK L_>%SY?xbR -ia(5E6"p;gm&F {{@MZd+(e(iFl\?jt.SoB5o#p, 29bN??oZ;tLVs12F1imsr#sD`4RJ7vSjO-Foxb#.,*Zv^dcJC `NNCGs1X67VcdYX A second metatarsal shortening osteotomy is a procedure that cuts and shortens the second metatarsal. Surgical procedures are of three types: soft-tissue (plantar fascia release, tendon release, or tendon transfer), osteotomy (metatarsal, midfoot, calcaneal), and joint-stabilizing (triple arthrodesis). Cite this article. APMA and AMA should demand a cost of living increase of 5 percent from this health plan and others. Lesser metatarsophalangeal joint implants. The initial simple silicone spacers and silicone ball [26] without stems were improved by the addition of prongs to increase stability. Google Scholar. iTQp8&Xkr All the specimens both pre- and post-implant were stable in dorsal displacement and dorsiflexion using a 5kg weight (49N) (Table5). Cyclic loading of the implants under physiological loads has shown no signs of wear or damage. The design was conceptualized as being low constrained with a high conformity that provides axial rotation and allowing more sagittal than coronal motion. The surgical repair or replacement of a diseased joint is known as arthroplasty. Zgonis T, Jolly GP, Kanuck DM. More bone is excised as required in order to maximize range of motion. 2008;29(5):48892. It was subjected to 5,000,000cycles in a laboratory under physiological and excessive forces to assess resistance to fatigue failure and wear pattern of the polyethylene liner. Liao C-Y, Lin AC-C, Lin C-Y, Chao T-K, Lu T-C, Lee H-M. Interpositional arthroplasty with palmaris longus tendon graft for osteonecrosis of the second metatarsal head: a case report. Unfortunately, an infection developed following the procedure, necessitating an amputation of the hallux to be performed. PubMed Central J Foot Surg. After the fourth specimen, it was noted that all the measurements were remarkably similar and further specimens would prove to be unnecessary and unnecessarily expensive (Fig. Meaning these two codes were stripped of the E/M component that used to be part of the payment process. 28291 is only reported for arthroplasty procedures of the first MTPJ, This code is not reported for interphalangeal joint procedures. inappropriate to use. endstream endobj 595 0 obj <>stream Osteotomies of the proximal phalangeal base have been reported to realign the second toe (17). Healthfirst is asking for a more appropriate CPT code that should be used to bill for the service provided. The code we used was CPT 17110. or recall a traumatic event that precipitated their condition, such as running up a flight of stairs and stubbing the toe and feeling a sudden pop sensation beneath the toe (. Can an initial visit be done using telehealth and can Medicare still be billed? Stability and range of motion is checked. Just another site 2nd metatarsal joint replacement cpt Purpose The purpose of this retrospective study is to clarify the difference in plantar pressure distribution during walking and related patient-based outcomes between forefoot joint-preserving arthroplasty and resection-replacement arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). zyyJQo`w;1CvGOOGOOGOOGOOGOOG77G7}Omq|hqL3i'9XS` D David J Freedman, DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD. I. I was consulted on a patient in hospital with a large 5th metatarsophalangeal joint ulceration. A further two devices were then implanted in fresh frozen cadavers by an independent foot and ankle surgeon. anschutz canada dealer. CPT 28200 Repair, tendon, flexor, foot; primary or secondary without free graft, each tendon & CPT 28308 Osteotomy, with or without lengthening, shortening, angular correction, metatarsal; other than first metatarsal, each & CPT 28285 Correction, hammertoe (e.g., interphalangeal fusion, partial or total phalangectomy) 22 The in vitro cadaveric studies allowed the researchers to develop and perfect the surgical technique, record the range of motion, determine the stability both clinically and by means of applied forces. 1987;10(1):839. K-wire fixation through any joint in the toe undergoing hammertoe repair including the PIP; the DIP; or the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Forty adult skeleton feet were used as per the statisticians advice. The authors hypothesize that the design of this implant will effectively simulate the lesser metatarsophalangeal joint in both laboratory setting and cadaver trials so as to follow with clinical trials. 1 It typically involves progressive osteophyte formation and cartilage destruction resulting in joint pain, stiffness and restricted dorsiflexion of the first MPJ. Often the arthritis is isolated to one joint and commonly due to previous trauma or Freibergs infraction. Carmont MR, Rees RJ, Blundell CM. In consultation with the engineers, the friction and friction losses through the set-up were found to be negligible. Lets start with the CPT definition of CPT 28285 before looking at some references from CPT Assistant that will further clarify what services are included in this code and what may be separately reported. Myerson M. Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. If there is no code available, the only other option is to use the NOC [not otherwise coded] CPT 28999 and submit claim with an operative report, and request peer review for reimbursement consideration. There are few cadaveric studies pertaining to general loading and forces on the LMTPJ and there are no available cadaveric studies for LMTPJ replacement arthroplasty. Website Design by S. Kloos Communications Inc. J Foot Ankle Surg. a metatarsal . In addition, the test apparatus was covered for the duration of testing to prevent any foreign debris from entering the test environment. 28112 Ostectomy, complete excision; other metatarsal head (second, third or fourth) 28113 Ostectomy, complete excision; fifth metatarsal head 28114 Ostectomy, complete excision; all metatarsal heads, with partial proximal phalangectomy, excluding first metatarsal (e .g., Clayton type procedure) 28116 Ostectomy, excision of tarsal coalition 1989;28(5):4103. Studies currently available are between case series and reports at level IV and V. The findings cannot be generalized or interpreted due to the low numbers, the retrospective nature of the studies and due to the rarity of the disease. David J. Freedman, DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD, RE: Ciox Medical Records Request (Gerald Newman, DPM). fWji`/^ !DMA$jQ$`: 2Il{ ,8X=(I?CI #zI What is included in the CPT code 28285? Range of motion of the pre- and post-implanted LMTPJ was recorded. The process is taking much longer for reimbursement. 1CPT Assistant, March 1, 2015, copyright American Medical Association, 2CPT Assistant, September 1, 2010, copyright American Medical Association, 3CPT Assistant, September 1, 2011, copyright American Medical Association, 4CPT Assistant, June 1, 2016, copyright American Medical Association, It's a New Year with New CPT Codes. Acta Ortop Mex. The goals of shortening the metatarsal are to decrease pain at the base of the second toe (in the ball of the . This necessitated post-operative wound care. First MPJ Arthroplasty. H\0~ Codes 26535 and 26536 are not used to classify arthroplasty of the finger's interphalangeal joint. 1992 . How can a surgical procedure for a patient with a bone infection pay less than an order from Panera? Stability was divided into stable, lax and dislocatable. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315-69-9-556. { The four implants each with the respective compressive forces as well as the sizes after completing 5,000,000cycles at physiological forces. 2007;17(2):735. A hammertoe is a deformity where the interphalangeal joint pops up instead of lying flat, giving the toe the shape/appearance of a hammer. The interpositional arthroplasty procedure in treatment of degenerative arthritis of the second metatarsophalangeal joint. Dorsal excursion may elicit pain or guarding as one is performing a Lachman-drawer examination of the MTPJ (, A most helpful test to determine plantar plate insufficiency, even in patients with minimal digital contracture, is to perform, Recognition and diagnosis of the inflamed or ruptured plantar plate has eluded physicians for many decades, as some of the presenting signs and symptoms can be misinterpreted as unrelated entities. Privacy The metallic components are made of titanium with a grid blasted under surface for maximum bony ingrowth. The only code needing a -59 or -XS is CPT 28750. J Foot Surg. On one of the first Medicare patients I saw this year, I did bilateral heel injections for plantar fasciitis. Remember, a hammertoe is a deformity of the interphalangeal joint so . J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. Lesser metatarsal metallic hemiarthroplasty. Replacement arthroplasty has been ineffective in the long term as the joints are subject to severe repetitive fatigue loading over small articulating surfaces through a wide range of motion. However, this is what Anthem Blue Cross wants. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2014.12.003. IDC-9-CM Diagnosis Description 735.4 Other hammer toe (acquired) 735.5 Claw toe (acquired) 735.8 Other acquired deformities of toe 736.79 Other acquired deformities of ankle and foot 755.66 Macrodactylia of toes 996.41 Mechanical loosening of prosthetic joint 996.42 Dislocation of prosthetic joint 996.43 Broken prosthetic joint implant 996.44 Peri-prosthetic fracture around prosthetic joint Hill J, Jimenez AL, Langford JH. No measurements were performed hence there was no need to amputate the hallux. A metatarsophalangeal joint capsulotomy (CPT 28270)may be coded in addition to CPT 28285 per CPT Assistant if it is performed to treat a separate deformity (e.g., a contracture of the MTP joint) 3. When this procedure is related to the first and requires the use of an operating or procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier -78 to the related procedure. Autograft interpositional arthroplasty of the second MTP joint has been studied and shown to have acceptable results. And then in December of 2022, I did surgery on the other foot and billed it as CPT 28297-79-RT. Director of Education for mdStrategies. J Clin Physiol Meas. Are we obligated to do them by our payor contracts? Second Metatarsal Shortening Osteotomy. I also strongly recommend pre-authorizing the procedure, since there is a chance the payer could disallow your claim for inserting an implant in a lesser metatarsal-phalangeal joint. 1984;23(1):3540. Some insurance companies have their own criteria for authorization, such as only one injection on a date or only one injection in 6 months or other limitations like that. The procedures below may be performed as part of a hammertoe repair and should not be coded in addition to CPT 28285 when performed on the same toe: CPT Assistant also clarifies a key procedure that may be coded separately. Any input with this issue would be greatly appreciated. With the passage of time the arthritis causes increasing pain, swelling and loss of function. A number of implants of various sizes were manufactured for the purpose of the study. Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative. Soft tissue balancing and fibrous tissue surrounding the implant provide the majority of strength to support the joint. August 2018. The audio visual format need not be HIPAA compliant, thus the use of Facetime, Zoom, Google Meet are all fair game. Many people who have undergone arthroplasty report . All authors have read and approved the manuscript. Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery: management of complications: Ebook. Although not subjected to large axial loads, these replacements still need to adhere to the basic principles of replacement implants and good soft tissue tension restoration to be successful. CPT 28122 Musculoskeletal partial excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) of bone (e.g., for osteomyelitis or tarsal bossing), tarsal or metatarsal bone, except talus or calcaneus. Autograft interpositional a. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcl.2011.08.008. Does anybody know a different modifier to use when billing CPT 28297 (Lapidus bunionectomy) to delineate right and left foot? A certain number of these deformities certainly have a valgus component, but many do not. Lawrence BR, Papier MJ. The goals of operative treatment are correction of the deformity and rebalancing of the deforming muscle forces. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315-71-5-266. I billed CPT 11042 weekly post-operatively, until the wound healed. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2008;22(4):25962. How would I code a second metatarsal-phalangeal joint hemi-implant procedure? Once again wear damage at the contact surface of each implant was captured and the water assessed for polyethylene particles. In a small cohort of patients with a short follow-up, Townshend and Greiss used a total ceramic arthroplasty for painful destructive disorders. 569 0 obj You do not have to make excuses. The sizes of the metallic components (metatarsal and phalangeal) were determined by the accurate measurement of the respective bones on skeleton specimens. Google Scholar. Per the OR report: ". 1979;18(1):2630. The private insurance is stating that all the CPT 11042 billings are considered part of the global. If a patient asks for bilateral injections or some other service that we know has been rejected in the past and we know will be on this particular date, what are we supposed to do? Having said that, I have rarely not found there to be some periarticular excess bone formation present (e.g., bulge, lipping, or prominence of bone) at the proximal phalanx base and/or 1st metatarsal head in cases of hallux rigidus. A weight force of 5kg (F=m x a) equalling 49N was used. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2018. >Xq(m]3)Ar Uatd=yE#))=\OE&3KslB)vCF7hH(*pb&E-,J]Bd6RoiIW /.#R:rz$0VBMj\DISSq3G%F d~ oTNfxfDPu@MmHR5yyDw +9gb}ls!ZbDiq!qh6m\B&MS3[ilMX^q *h{RbQg/OcQZP=a8 CQ26^ KDX /xw@55wd-+t"2J}&CA_@r{!/TO:*R ~xsiruuHK(LHY$@ov{ZcS'[ iBIQ/~STtL `/X% fJ#Y Yn(WAqLZ&B }X8G,s%+dd9a4DH~lVx0aZ=8xS3Kw;Ur-aM#M^" 3EgCYOkpC17'cB=@jXVxvI.4@sbBmKN/$*,>A>1;4u~IU'xBB)tV0} 4=w7y1C +R&()'(po(7C};B&1L76nn,0S}u':A8c@s((y-Z^|1&HPmB&k&f+90_jWw& [I&[IX^EOS"vEO \px,oGsfCk#KGjY,UG #D4X?}l0L,W6)-kcM6rTJjxy{kM6_988]abZwZVZ.5M8` -SE' {?s Policy Aetna considers the following procedures medically necessary for persons with disabling arthritis of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (hallux rigidus): Besides the one pre-implant specimen which was lax, all the others were stable both pre- and post-implant. My fee for sending them charts is $50 per chart. The Swanson prosthesis, originally designed for the hand, has been used for the LMTPJs [17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25]. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. This is contrary to my twenty years experience with the use of this code. . Foot Ankle Int. Has anyone experienced this frustration with these carriers? The companies are typically an HMO or a managed care and maybe require a prior authorization for the service. The higher co-payments above the approved amount are how the insurance companies pay nothing and have shifted costs to the patients. Cyclical loading of 5,000,000cycles within physiological forces showed minimal wear of both the metatarsal implant and polyethylene meniscus. It has been seen and proven that if the requirements become so onerous for providers to do, they simply stop doing them. We can see from the CPT description that this code includes removal of part or all of a phalanges (the three small bones that join together to form our toes). Arthroscopic interpositional arthroplasty of the second metatarsophalangeal joint. Is it because of the insurance company rules or was there a billing error perhaps? This was a small cohort with short follow-up. This three-component mobile bearing device is made of titanium and high density polyethylene which evolved over 4years. Copyright 2023, Podiatry Management Online - All Rights Reserved, https://www.apmacodingrc.org/cciedits.asp. After watching some E/M presentations, it was suggested that hospital consultations should be billed with CPT 99252-CPT 99255. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100720904033. The metatarsals are numbered one through five, starting with the big toe. The example given is for osteomyelitis, but it is not saying it is the only example; it is just one example. The closure left an area open due to soft tissue deficit. RE: Aetna Medicare Advantage (Jeffrey Kass, DPM). In the event of implant failure with no possibility of a revision, the implant can be removed and the joint left as an excision arthroplasty which although not ideal has been described as a surgical option for Freibergs infraction or degenerative joint disease. Cheilectomy is less drastic than arthrodesis and/or joint arthroplasty and can preserve motion, but symptoms are likely to return as joint degeneration progresses. Manage cookies/Do not sell my data we use in the preference centre. We are also getting denied on those codes with basically every non-Medicare plan. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 22, 424 (2021). https://doi.org/10.3113/FAI.2008.0488. . Carriers are trying to bundle all that they can and that really hits home on the E/M usage and modifiers. Proximal phalanx base resection also has been advocated (20, 21). The paper was presented at the A World Advanced Foot and Ankle Congress (webinar) on 2526 April 2020 (by invitation). If you feel it is still part of the original chronic ulcer, then L97.4- or L97.5- depending on the anatomical location of the current ulcer being debrided. In order to bill for the hallux amputation, CPT 28820 is appended by the -78 modifier. osteomyelitis or bossing); CPT 28126: Resection, partial or complete, phalangeal base, each toe, CPT 28153: Resection, condyle(s), distal end of phalanx, each toe, CPT 28160: Hemiphalangectomy or interphalangeal joint excision, toe, proximal end of phalanx, each. Paul Cadorette the "Hallux valgus or bunion". https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100713491728. The compressive forces were applied during cyclic articulation by means of cylindrical helical silicone compression springs. I have grown accustomed to low reimbursement rates but this seems outrageous to me. AS: Participated in the reviewing process and the cadaver trials. 5 Hallux disarticulation for application of electro-goniometer). In contrast, the three units allow documentation supporting the service's medical necessity. CPT 28310 XS/-59 and T (appropriate T modifier). The metatarsal component fixation mechanism is unique. Interpositional free tendon graft for lesser metatarsophalangeal joint arthropathy. 1980;19(1):168. Grades of recommendation. Scartozzi G, Schram A, Janigian J. Freibergs infraction of the second metatarsal head with formation of multiple loose bodies. On top of it, they pay the lesser paying code instead of the higher paying code. CAS X-ray facilities were available for two cadaver specimens (separate from the four cadavers that were tested) to simulate live surgery and obtain radiographs of the implant in the cadaver foot (Fig. L Tarsometatarsal Joint, Left M Metatarsal-Phalangeal Joint, Right N Metatarsal-Phalangeal Joint, Left P Toe Phalangeal Joint, Right Q Toe Phalangeal Joint, Left Open 4 Internal Fixation Device 8 Spacer Z No Qualifier Reposition (Moving to its normal location, or other suitable location, all or a portion of a body part. The implant may be used as a total or hemi arthroplasty. Ud:("9;79X}A]2O~V}}VJe The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Painful degenerative diseases of the second metatarsophalangeal joint are frequently progressive and difficult to treat. There is no CPT code for toe arthroplasty; instead, use the unlisted procedure code 28899. They know what to expect. . The issue here is not whether or not you can report 28291 because in most instances you can, but whether or not the device being implanted is an approved device based on the patients insurance plan. Laparoscopic Excision of a Peritoneal Mass (49203 vs. 49329), CMS vs. CPT: No NCCI Edits for Imaging Guidance During Nerve Blocks, NCCI Edits for CPT 29823: A Return to Normalcy from CMS, Removal of the phalangeal base (CPT 28126), Capsulotomy of the interphalangeal joints (CPT 28272). There were two male (specimens 1 and 3) and two female (specimens 2 and 4) cadavers. endobj described a case study using a titanium hemi-implant of the proximal phalanx. We billed several different attempts with T modifiers for toes, -51 modifier, -59 modifier and -XS modifier. A novel implant was designed and developed by the senior author (NPS) (Fig. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2005.08.005. 0d vRC]^J+!&TzVM+M]e9~(_RGGI9trpe"Th# RP3T`hj%{OAeQ Patients may recall a rapid progression of their deformity (dislocation) shortly following this type of injection therapy. It has a spring intra medullary fixation mechanism with added barbs to increase the surface area. Google Scholar. Severe subluxation or dislocation of the 2nd MTPJ was present in 26 of 32ft. None of the Freibergs infraction group had significant deformity. The one I am most interested in is the AMA's response since I am curious as to what the AMA's original intent was when CPT 28293 was introduced if not to primarily treat conditions of 1st metatarsal-phalangeal degenerative joint disease with joint resection and a prosthesis as an alternative to joint fusion. Stay the course. At an average follow-up of 37months, a good subjective result was recorded in 63% and good with reservations in 25%. Google Scholar. However, this can further weaken an already inflamed plantar plate and cause it to rupture completely. eazyTi&YuW^IdmfQAU 1M@z@ iRE2,R? Fusion of either of these joints is included in CPT 28285. The fixation is intramedullary (a novel spring fixation system for the metatarsal and a screw fixation for the phalangeal component) and the implant has high conformity and low constraint to withstand the stresses applied on it by walking and weight bearing, thus minimizing wear. There was a change January 1, 2021 to make the toe amputation codes ZERO day global. [2] Patients usually present with a painful and often swollen joint. 2005;44(6):4902. Enriquez Castro JA, Guevara Hernandez G, Estevez DG. A new lesser metatarsophalangeal joint replacement arthroplasty design - in vitro and cadaver studies. Basile A, Albo F, Via AG. The indication for surgery is when this joint has a fixed curved (Clawtoe or Hammer Toe) deformity and when the deformity is producing enough pain or functional limitations to warrant surgery.The deformity develops gradually and cannot be straightened because it is . If there is a complication from the surgery, then use T81.89x(A,D,or S). Excision of the phalanges or fusion of the interphalangeal joints will help the toe to lie flat again and not pop back up after surgery. The relatively large bearing surfaces between the components will hopefully contribute to the longevity of the replacement arthroplasty but this will remain to be seen. CPT 99202-CPT 99205) with a -95 modifier. 3rd metatarsal fractures rarely occur in isolation. Both have a 0 day global period which means any care after the amputation day is an E/M. Group1 included 22 feet of 11 healthy controls (age 48.6 . A class action suit would be the best way to go if this was possible. The apparatus incorporates four stations for testing four implants at different forces simultaneously (Fig. A case report. The interpositional arthroplasty procedure in treatment of degenerative arthritis of the second metatarsophalangeal joint. I found very little information relating to Cartiva and Arthrosurface implants but if you review Aetna policy #0661 you will see that toe joint resurfacing is considered experimental/investigational. Arthrodesis leaves the second MTP joint without any range of motion, and so has the potential to result in altered gait mechanics, transfer metatarsalgia, and adjacent joint degenerative disease. This study is the basis for clinical trials (the implant has been cleared for clinical trials by Human Ethics of the University). 2014;13(4):199205. For my visual learners, check out this image of a hammertoe: Hammertoe. Pfeiffer WH, Cracchiolo A 3rd, Grace DL, Dorey FJ, Van Dyke E. Double-stem silicone implant arthroplasty of all metatarsophalangeal joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. J Foot Surg. 2 The Nicolle, the Calnam-Nicolle and the Niebauer-Cutter hinged prosthesis had been adapted for LMTPJ arthroplasty. The implant alone is by no means the stabilizing factor. for implant arthroplasty of the 1st MPJ for. Etiology. Vertical cut angle reduces potential for dorsal impingement. Post-operative stability was objectively assessed for dorsal displacement and dorsiflexion using a 5kgf (49N) and was found to be excellent. Lesser metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis (primarily Freibergs infraction and post traumatic), may require surgical intervention once conservative management fails. 29827. Payer rules related to modifiers further complicate the claims submission process and increase the challenges faced by the appeals team. . These joints are subject to severe repetitive fatigue loading over small articulating surfaces through a wide range of motion. The implant was found to be durable and resistant to wear in the laboratory testing. The objective of this study is to design an effective replacement arthroplasty of the second and third metatarsophalangeal joint for end stage arthritis or symptomatic Freibergs infraction to add to the armamentarium of the foot and ankle surgeon. z Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC, Lady Lake, FL. It was denied with a CO-16 error code. I was one of the few to have this issue first. endstream endobj 603 0 obj <>stream Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. Each test station with its installed implants, was submerged in the de-ionized water (Fig. Foot Ankle Int. Through the dorsal incision, a capsulotomy was made and previously placed hardware was removed. The average plantar flexion was 33.8 and 20.8 pre- and post- implant respectively. PIP (Proximal Interphalangeal) Joint Fusion. 2013;34(10):143642. You have to abide by the insurance company rules -as you signed a contract with them-or you could get in trouble. It would be nice to see them punished financially for their purposeful denial of legitimate claims to bolster their profits. An integral part of the procedure is the soft tissue balancing of the joint. TMT joint pain may indicate an injury to the TMT joints. endstream The CPT code to be billed for the hallux amputation is CPT 28820, which is defined as the following: Amputation, toe; metatarsophalangeal joint. Male and younger female patients tend to be athletic (runners, weight lifters, baseball catcher, etc.) A maximum of five units can be a bill on the same service date of toe amputation CPT codes 22820, 28825, or 28810. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-006-0189-4. For clinical trials, as with other replacements, the ideal candidate must be sought, followed by the stringent principles of replacements and informed consent. Closed treatment of second and third metatarsal fractures of . To that end, I would include in the letter of explanation a suggested comparison code of equal work and value. Thickness measurements prior and after testing also showed no changes measured in micrometres (Table1). There is poor evidence in supporting resection arthroplasty, excision interpositional arthroplasty, autografts and allografts [13,14,15]. This procedure may be considered when conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief from joint pain and/or disability. hb```b``6f`e`` @16< { Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the Wits Human Research Ethics Committee. 12 - Screw implanted in proximal phalanx for the purpose of stability testing). My HCA surgery center and their coding company has consulted with 3M and Precyse (coding and billing), as well as the AMA regarding the use of the CPT 28293 (correction, hallux valgus [bunion], with or without sesamoidectomy; resection of joint with implant) code. (!|Xa 1) You can bill Medicare for an initial E/M encounter (eg. 1989;1:113. The original post-operative global period of 90 days for the performance of the hallux arthroplasty stays in place despite the performance of the 2nd procedure, the amputation of the hallux.