Query: Hemiphalangectomy Code Choice
I’m not sure which CPT code to use partial
excision of phalanx (hemiphalengectomy) of the
distal and middle phalanges,
CPT 28160 (hemiphalangectomy or interphalangeal
joint excision, toe, proximal end of phalanx,
each)or CPT 28153 (resection, condyle[s], distal
end of phalanx, each toe) or CPT 28126
(resection, partial or complete, phalangeal
base, each toe). They all seem to represent bone
excised in the distal and middle phalanx example
above.
Beverly Rickord, CPC
Bloomington, IL
Codingline Response: From your brief description
of removal of bone from the middle and distal
phalanges, I assume that an arthroplasty
(surgical repair of a joint) was performed at
the distal interphalangeal joint. That being the
case, CPT 28160 [hemiphalangectomy or
interphalangeal joint resection, toe] would be
the appropriate code in this case.
Howard Zlotoff, DPM
Camp Hill, PA
