Code: 28450
Description: Treatment of tarsal bone fracture (short foot bone), includes walking or other ambulation cast
Context: This code is used for the medical treatment of fractures in the tarsal bones, which are the bones located in the foot’s rear section, near the ankle. It includes the application of a walking or other ambulation cast as part of the treatment.
Guidelines for Proper Use
- Specific Use for Tarsal Bone Fracture Treatment: Apply 28450 for procedures involving the treatment of fractures in the tarsal bones. It’s specific to these types of foot fractures.
- Documentation of Treatment: Ensure that healthcare providers’ documentation includes detailed information about the fracture treatment, including the specific tarsal bone involved and the type of cast applied.
- Inclusion of Walking/Ambulation Cast: This code includes the application of a walking or other type of ambulation cast as part of the treatment process.
- Exclusion of Additional Procedures: Do not use 28450 for additional foot treatments or procedures not directly related to the tarsal bone fracture treatment.
- Compliance with Orthopedic Treatment Protocols: Use 28450 in accordance with standard orthopedic treatment guidelines for foot fractures, as well as payer-specific rules.
Common Misuses of 28450
- Using for Other Foot Bone Fractures: Misuse occurs if 28450 is applied to fractures of bones other than the tarsal bones, such as metatarsal or phalangeal fractures.
- Omission of Cast Application: This code should not be used for tarsal bone fracture treatments that do not include the application of a walking or ambulation cast.
- Bundling with Unrelated Procedures: If additional procedures, such as surgery for severe fractures or other unrelated treatments, are performed, they should be billed separately and not included under 28450.