New Bunionectomy CPT Codes Are Coming Soon

If you are using an old Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) manual (come on, you know who you are, 2006 manual people!), be prepared for a major change in first ray procedure coding coming in 2017. The bunionectomy and hallux limitus repair codes that we are all so familiar with will see significant revisions very soon. 

The confusion about which code to use when performing some hallux limitus procedures will be cleared up with the revision of 28289’s description to be a cheilectomy without implant and the welcome addition of a new CPT code to describe cheilectomy for hallux limitus with a first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) implant. We have never previously had a code to accurately describe a first MPJ implant for hallux limitus correction that did not include bunionectomy.

Another change will be the elimination of names from code descriptions. You will no longer see names such as Silver, Mayo, Joplin or Mitchell in CPT code descriptions. This is a welcome change as this often causes confusion and some of these procedures are outdated and no longer performed.

The codes 28290, 28293 and 28294 are being completely deleted. Code 28296 is being revised to include a much clearer explanation of “Correction, hallux valgus (bunionectomy), with or without sesamoidectomy, when performed; with distal metatarsal osteotomy, any method.” There will also be a new code with the following description: “Correction, hallux valgus (bunionectomy), with or without sesamoidectomy, when performed; with proximal metatarsal osteotomy, any method.” It will be nice to have this new, very clear distinction between codes for distal and proximal osteotomies for bunion correction.

We do not have these new codes yet but we will soon. The use of old CPT manuals may lead to costly errors in the new year. Among other reasons, the new bunionectomy codes will necessitate the use of an up-to-date coding resource in 2017.

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