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CPT 28005: Incision of Foot Bone Cortex for Infection

CPT code 28005 represents a surgical procedure that incises the bone cortex of a foot bone to treat infection. This procedure is clinically significant because bone infections (osteomyelitis) in the foot can lead to serious complications including spread of infection, persistent pain, and risk of limb loss without timely surgical and medical management. Clear coding for 28005 is important for accurate clinical documentation, appropriate facility and professional reimbursement, and monitoring of surgical management patterns for foot osteomyelitis nationwide.

Key payers referenced in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of what the code denotes, typical sites of service and service type, and context for why correct coding matters across payers. The publication will also cover common billing considerations, applicable modifiers, and benchmark-oriented summaries where available. When specific payer policies or reimbursement benchmarks are not present in the input, the report will note that data is not available in the input.

This summary is intended for a national audience of clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking a clear, practical understanding of CPT code 28005 and its role in surgical management of foot bone infections.

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Billing Code Overview

CPT code 28005 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider incises the bone cortex, the superficial part of a bone, to treat a bone infection in the foot. The intent of the procedure is to access and relieve infection or facilitate drainage within the affected bone.

Service type: Surgical debridement/incision of bone cortex for infection
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department, ambulatory surgical center, or inpatient hospital setting where foot surgery for bone infection is performed

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CPT 28005: Incision of Foot Bone Cortex for Infection

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Billing Code Overview

Service type: Surgical debridement/incision of bone cortex for infection
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department, ambulatory surgical center, or inpatient hospital setting where foot surgery for bone infection is performed

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 58-year-old male with poorly controlled diabetes presents with increasing pain, erythema, and drainage from the dorsal aspect of the right forefoot. Imaging with foot radiographs and MRI demonstrates cortical disruption and a localized area of osteomyelitis involving the proximal phalanx of the second toe. After failure of targeted intravenous antibiotics and persistent sinus tract formation, the orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon schedules a procedure to incise the bone cortex (corticotomy/decompression) to remove infected cortical bone, obtain deep bone cultures, and allow local debridement and drainage.

The clinical workflow includes preoperative optimization (glycemic control, anesthesia clearance), perioperative antibiotics per infectious disease guidance, intraoperative exposure and irrigation, cortical incision and debridement of infected bone, collection of intraosseous cultures and pathology specimens, possible placement of local antibiotic carriers, and postoperative wound care with plan for continued systemic antibiotics guided by culture results. Typical monitoring includes outpatient wound checks, serial inflammatory markers, and repeat imaging as indicated.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`25`	Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure	Use when a distinct E/M visit is provided on the same day as the procedure for a separate problem or appreciably separate service (e.g., urgent preop assessment with decision making).
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when the same corticotomy procedure is performed on both feet; many payors require specific bilateral reporting rules.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when another procedure performed on the same anatomic area is separate and distinct (e.g., separate debridement at a different level).
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons from different specialties perform distinct portions of the procedure (co-surgery).
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Use when an assistant surgeon provides assistance; check payor rules for assistant billing.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as originally planned.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure is terminated due to extenuating circumstances or patient-related factors.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	Use when the identical procedure is repeated by the same physician within the global period.
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician	Use when the same procedure is repeated by a different physician within the global period.
`78`	Return to operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use for unplanned return to the OR for treatment of a complication related to the initial procedure.
`79`	Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period	Use when a different, unrelated procedure is performed during the global period.
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work required is substantially greater than typically required (document rationale).
`58`	Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period	Use when the procedure is planned as part of a staged treatment or anticipated second-stage intervention.
`TC`	Technical component	Use when billing only the technical component of a service (e.g., facility component if applicable).

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207K00000X	Orthopedic Surgery	Foot and ankle surgeons commonly perform corticotomy/osteomyelitis debridement.
207M00000X	Podiatry	Podiatric surgeons frequently perform surgical management of toe and forefoot osteomyelitis.
2080P0003X	General Surgery	General surgeons with limb-preserving expertise may perform foot bone procedures in complex cases.
208600000X	Infectious Disease	Infectious disease specialists provide perioperative antibiotic management and culture interpretation.
207L00000X	Plastic Surgery	Plastic surgeons may be involved when complex soft tissue reconstruction or flap coverage is required.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M86.17`	Acute osteomyelitis, toe(s)	Direct indication for corticotomy and debridement when infection involves toe bones.
`M86.171`	Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of right toe	Specific laterality can support procedural documentation for the right foot.
`M86.27`	Chronic osteomyelitis, toe(s)	Chronic bone infection often requires cortical incision and debridement if medical therapy fails.
`L03.115`	Cellulitis of right foot	Common adjacent soft tissue infection that may coexist and require concurrent management.
`E11.621`	Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer	Diabetes is a common comorbidity that predisposes to foot infection and osteomyelitis; impacts perioperative planning.
`M86.4`	Acute osteomyelitis, other sites in foot	Allows coding for acute osteomyelitis in foot bones not otherwise specified.
`M86.6`	Nonpyogenic osteomyelitis	Less common but relevant for differential diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`28005`	Incision of bone cortex (corticotomy) of foot to treat bone infection	Primary procedure for cortical incision and localized debridement of osteomyelitis in the foot.
`11042`	Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis, first 20 sq cm)	May be performed when there is associated soft tissue necrosis or infected skin/subcutaneous tissue requiring debridement adjacent to the bone procedure.
`11045`	Debridement, bone (includes skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone)	Used when deeper debridement including infected bone and associated soft tissue is performed beyond a limited corticotomy.
`27690`	Debridement, muscle and/or tendon sheath, including topical treatment of wound	May be applicable when infection involves deeper foot compartments requiring debridement of tendons or muscles.
`20610`	Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; major joint or bursa (e.g., for diagnostic aspiration)	May be used preoperatively or intraoperatively for aspiration of adjacent joints to rule out septic arthritis when clinically indicated.
`11044`	Debridement, extensive (includes skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and bone, first 20 sq cm)	Alternative/additional code when extensive debridement including bone is required in conjunction with corticotomy.

CPT 28001: Drainage of Infected Bursa of Foot

CPT-28002-BURSAL-INCISION-DRAINAGE-TENDON-COVERING

CPT 28002: Incision and Drainage of Infected Bursa Involving Tendon Covering

CPT-28003-FOOT-BURSAL-DRAINAGE-MULTIPLE-SPACES

CPT 28003: Drainage of Multiple Infected Bursal Spaces Under Foot Fascia

CPT-28008-PLANTAR-FASCIA-RELEASE-TOE-CONTRACTURE-RELEASE

CPT 28008: Plantar Fascia Release and Toe Contracture Release

CPT-28010-PERCUTANEOUS-TENOTOMY-TOE-HAMMER-TOE-CORRECTION

CPT 28010: Percutaneous Tenotomy for Toe Deformity

CPT-28011-PERCUTANEOUS-TENOTOMY-MULTIPLE-TOES-HAMMER-TOE

CPT 28011: Percutaneous Tenotomy of Multiple Tendons for Hammer Toe

CPT-28020-FOOT-ANKLE-JOINT-INCISION-DRAINAGE

CPT 28020: Incision and Drainage of Foot or Ankle Joint

CPT-28022-TOE-FOREFOOT-JOINT-INCISION-DRAINAGE

CPT 28022: Incision and Drainage of Toe/Forefoot Joint

CPT-28024-TOE-JOINT-INCISION-DRAINAGE

CPT 28024: Incision and Drainage of Toe Joint

CPT-28035-TARSAL-TUNNEL-RELEASE-POSTERIOR-TIBIAL-NERVE-DECOMPRESSION

CPT 28035: Tarsal Tunnel Release, Posterior Tibial Nerve Decompression

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`25`	Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure	Use when a distinct E/M visit is provided on the same day as the procedure for a separate problem or appreciably separate service (e.g., urgent preop assessment with decision making).
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when the same corticotomy procedure is performed on both feet; many payors require specific bilateral reporting rules.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when another procedure performed on the same anatomic area is separate and distinct (e.g., separate debridement at a different level).
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons from different specialties perform distinct portions of the procedure (co-surgery).
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Use when an assistant surgeon provides assistance; check payor rules for assistant billing.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as originally planned.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure is terminated due to extenuating circumstances or patient-related factors.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	Use when the identical procedure is repeated by the same physician within the global period.
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician	Use when the same procedure is repeated by a different physician within the global period.
`78`	Return to operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use for unplanned return to the OR for treatment of a complication related to the initial procedure.
`79`	Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period	Use when a different, unrelated procedure is performed during the global period.
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work required is substantially greater than typically required (document rationale).
`58`	Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period	Use when the procedure is planned as part of a staged treatment or anticipated second-stage intervention.
`TC`	Technical component	Use when billing only the technical component of a service (e.g., facility component if applicable).

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207K00000X	Orthopedic Surgery	Foot and ankle surgeons commonly perform corticotomy/osteomyelitis debridement.
207M00000X	Podiatry	Podiatric surgeons frequently perform surgical management of toe and forefoot osteomyelitis.
2080P0003X	General Surgery	General surgeons with limb-preserving expertise may perform foot bone procedures in complex cases.
208600000X	Infectious Disease	Infectious disease specialists provide perioperative antibiotic management and culture interpretation.
207L00000X	Plastic Surgery	Plastic surgeons may be involved when complex soft tissue reconstruction or flap coverage is required.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M86.17`	Acute osteomyelitis, toe(s)	Direct indication for corticotomy and debridement when infection involves toe bones.
`M86.171`	Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of right toe	Specific laterality can support procedural documentation for the right foot.
`M86.27`	Chronic osteomyelitis, toe(s)	Chronic bone infection often requires cortical incision and debridement if medical therapy fails.
`L03.115`	Cellulitis of right foot	Common adjacent soft tissue infection that may coexist and require concurrent management.
`E11.621`	Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer	Diabetes is a common comorbidity that predisposes to foot infection and osteomyelitis; impacts perioperative planning.
`M86.4`	Acute osteomyelitis, other sites in foot	Allows coding for acute osteomyelitis in foot bones not otherwise specified.
`M86.6`	Nonpyogenic osteomyelitis	Less common but relevant for differential diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`28005`	Incision of bone cortex (corticotomy) of foot to treat bone infection	Primary procedure for cortical incision and localized debridement of osteomyelitis in the foot.
`11042`	Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis, first 20 sq cm)	May be performed when there is associated soft tissue necrosis or infected skin/subcutaneous tissue requiring debridement adjacent to the bone procedure.
`11045`	Debridement, bone (includes skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone)	Used when deeper debridement including infected bone and associated soft tissue is performed beyond a limited corticotomy.
`27690`	Debridement, muscle and/or tendon sheath, including topical treatment of wound	May be applicable when infection involves deeper foot compartments requiring debridement of tendons or muscles.
`20610`	Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; major joint or bursa (e.g., for diagnostic aspiration)	May be used preoperatively or intraoperatively for aspiration of adjacent joints to rule out septic arthritis when clinically indicated.
`11044`	Debridement, extensive (includes skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and bone, first 20 sq cm)	Alternative/additional code when extensive debridement including bone is required in conjunction with corticotomy.

CPT 28001: Drainage of Infected Bursa of Foot

CPT-28002-BURSAL-INCISION-DRAINAGE-TENDON-COVERING

CPT 28002: Incision and Drainage of Infected Bursa Involving Tendon Covering

CPT-28003-FOOT-BURSAL-DRAINAGE-MULTIPLE-SPACES

CPT 28003: Drainage of Multiple Infected Bursal Spaces Under Foot Fascia

CPT-28008-PLANTAR-FASCIA-RELEASE-TOE-CONTRACTURE-RELEASE

CPT 28008: Plantar Fascia Release and Toe Contracture Release

CPT-28010-PERCUTANEOUS-TENOTOMY-TOE-HAMMER-TOE-CORRECTION

CPT 28010: Percutaneous Tenotomy for Toe Deformity

CPT-28011-PERCUTANEOUS-TENOTOMY-MULTIPLE-TOES-HAMMER-TOE

CPT 28011: Percutaneous Tenotomy of Multiple Tendons for Hammer Toe

CPT-28020-FOOT-ANKLE-JOINT-INCISION-DRAINAGE

CPT 28020: Incision and Drainage of Foot or Ankle Joint

CPT-28022-TOE-FOREFOOT-JOINT-INCISION-DRAINAGE

CPT 28022: Incision and Drainage of Toe/Forefoot Joint

CPT-28024-TOE-JOINT-INCISION-DRAINAGE

CPT 28024: Incision and Drainage of Toe Joint

CPT-28035-TARSAL-TUNNEL-RELEASE-POSTERIOR-TIBIAL-NERVE-DECOMPRESSION

CPT 28035: Tarsal Tunnel Release, Posterior Tibial Nerve Decompression

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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CPT 28005: Incision of Foot Bone Cortex for Infection

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Billing Code Overview

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CPT 28005: Incision of Foot Bone Cortex for Infection

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References