Summary & Overview
CPT 29700: Removal or Bivalving of Cast in Orthopaedic Surgery
CPT code 29700 represents the removal or bivalving of a cast, a routine yet essential procedure in orthopaedic care. This code is widely used across the United States in both facility and office settings, reflecting its importance in the management of fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries. The procedure is typically performed by orthopaedic surgeons and is a critical step in patient recovery, allowing for further evaluation, treatment changes, or improved comfort.
Major national payers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare provide coverage for services billed under CPT code 29700. The publication offers a comprehensive overview of payer policies, clinical benchmarks, and recent updates relevant to this code. Readers will gain insight into the clinical context of cast removal, typical sites of service, and how this procedure fits within broader orthopaedic practice. The summary also highlights associated diagnoses and related CPT codes, providing a clear understanding of where 29700 is applied in patient care.
This article is designed for healthcare professionals, billing specialists, and policy analysts seeking up-to-date information on CPT code 29700, including payer coverage, clinical indications, and procedural context.
CPT Code Overview
CPT code 29700 is used to report the removal or bivalving of a cast for single or multiple purposes. This procedure is commonly performed within the scope of orthopaedic surgery and the musculoskeletal system. Typical sites of service include facility settings such as hospital outpatient departments or ambulatory surgical centers, as well as office locations (Place of Service 11). The code is relevant for situations where a cast needs to be removed for clinical reasons, such as assessment, treatment modification, or patient comfort.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to the orthopaedic clinic or hospital outpatient department with a healing fracture, such as a closed fracture of the patella, radius, calcaneus, clavicle, or tibia. The patient has previously received a cast for immobilization. During follow-up, the provider determines that removal or bivalving of the cast is necessary, either for clinical assessment, to relieve pressure, or to transition to another form of immobilization. The procedure is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon or qualified healthcare professional in a facility or office setting. The workflow includes patient evaluation, cast removal or bivalving, and post-procedure care instructions.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier Code | Description | When Used |
|---|---|
| 59 | Distinct Procedural Service | Used when cast removal is performed as a separate and distinct service from other procedures on the same day. |
| 76 | Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional | Used when cast removal is performed more than once by the same provider. |
- Associated Provider Taxonomies:
207X00000X— Orthopaedic Surgery (represents providers specializing in orthopaedic surgical care and musculoskeletal procedures)
Related Diagnoses
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S82.001A— Fracture of unspecified patella, initial encounter for closed fracture