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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesRepair, Revision, and/or Reconstruction Procedures on the Foot and ToesCPT cpt-28270-mtp-joint-capsular-release-toe-contracture
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    CPT 28270: Metatarsophalangeal Joint Capsulotomy and Release

    Medicare pays $506 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 28270 describes an operative procedure in which the provider incises the capsule of the metatarsophalangeal joint(s) of the toe(s) to restore range of motion and relieve pain from a contracture; the service is a surgical capsulotomy (metatarsophalangeal joint) typically performed in an operating room or outpatient surgical center and may include adjunctive tendon suturing to strengthen the joint as part of the same procedure.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total, Partial, Reverse, Revision and Resurfacing), Hip Arthroplasty (partial and total hip replacement), Artificial Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty).

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 62-year-old patient presents to the orthopedic clinic with progressive pain and limited range of motion at the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint following long-standing hammertoe deformity and dorsal contracture. Conservative treatment including shoe modification, padding, activity modification, and corticosteroid injection provided limited relief. On exam the MTP joint demonstrates a fixed flexion contracture with capsular tightness and localized tenderness impairing ambulation and daily activities. Preoperative evaluation includes a focused foot and ankle history and physical, weight-bearing radiographs of the forefoot to assess joint alignment and arthritic changes, routine preoperative labs as indicated, and anesthesia assessment.

    The patient is taken to the ambulatory surgical center or hospital operating room for an isolated MTP joint capsulotomy under regional block or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a dorsal/medial incision over the affected MTP joint, incises the contracted joint capsule to restore range of motion, performs any necessary synovectomy or debridement, and may suture or reef the extensor or flexor tendon attachments to strengthen or rebalance the toe if indicated. Hemostasis is achieved, and a soft dressing or postoperative shoe is applied. Typical postoperative workflow includes outpatient recovery, pain control, instructions for elevation and limited weight-bearing, early range-of-motion exercises, and a follow-up visit within 10–14 days for wound check and suture removal.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    28285Correction, hammertoe (eg, interphalangeal fusion, partial or complete phalangectomy)May be performed when deformity requires bony correction in addition to capsular release.
    28296Excision, toe deformity, flexor tenotomy (percutaneous)Minimally invasive soft-tissue release that can be performed before or instead of open capsulotomy in flexible deformities.
    28126Arthroplasty, interphalangeal joint, toe; involving implant or other prosthesisPerformed for arthritic joint disease when capsular release alone is insufficient.
    28820Excision, bunion, with or without internal fixation (lesser procedures)Forefoot procedures that may be performed concurrently when hallux or metatarsal pathology coexists.
    11042Debridement; skin and subcutaneous tissueDiagnostic or therapeutic debridement performed if infected or ischemic tissue is encountered during the capsulotomy.

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    50Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
    58Modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure/service by the same physician during the postoperative period) indicates that a subsequent procedure performed by the same provider during the…- Use modifier 58 when the same physician/QHP performs a procedure during the postoperative/global period of an earlier procedure and the subsequent procedure is either planned or anticipated…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207L00000XAnesthesiology PhysicianAn anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
    2080P0207XPediatric Hematology & Oncology PhysicianA pediatrician trained in the combination of pediatrics, hematology and oncology to recognize and manage pediatric blood disorders and cancerous disea…
    2086S0105XSurgery of the Hand (Surgery) PhysicianA surgeon with expertise in the investigation, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical and rehabilitative means, of all structures of the up…
    207K00000XAllergy & Immunology PhysicianAn allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
    224ZE0001XEnvironmental Modification Occupational Therapy AssistantOccupational therapy assistants provide environmental modifications under the supervision of an occupational therapist. OTAs develop and implement an…
    1835S0206XSolid Organ Transplant PharmacistA licensed pharmacist who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill delivering direct patient care and the safe and effective use of medication…
    101200000XDrama TherapistDrama therapists are trained in the intentional use of drama and theatre processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapists provide psychotherap…
    163WX0003XInpatient Obstetric Registered NurseNursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Orthopedics/Musculoskeletal1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total, Partial, Reverse, Revision and Resurfacing)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Hip Arthroplasty (partial and total hip replacement)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Artificial Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Osteochondral Grafting of the Kneeuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Resurfacinguniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Lumbar Fusion (arthrodesis) with decompressionuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Sacroiliac Joint Fusion or Stabilizationuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Percutaneous Vertebroplasty/Mechanical Vertebral Augmentation and Percutaneous Sacroplastyuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Shoulder Open ProceduresPremera Bluecross2026-09-04

    Related Codes

    CPT-28200-FLEXOR-TENDON-REPAIR-FOOT-OPEN

    CPT 28200: Open Repair of Flexor Tendon of Foot

    CPT-28202-DELAYED-TENDON-REPAIR-WITH-FREE-GRAFT

    CPT 28202: Delayed Tendon Repair of Foot/Toe with Free Graft

    CPT-28208-EXTENSOR-TENDON-REPAIR-FOOT

    CPT 28208: Extensor Tendon Repair of the Foot

    CPT-28210-DELAYED-TENDON-REPAIR-WITH-AUTOGRAFT-FOOT

    CPT 28210: Delayed Tendon Repair of Foot/Toes with Free Graft

    CPT-28220-FLEXOR-TENDON-ADHESION-RELEASE-FOOT

    CPT 28220: Flexor Tendon Adhesiolysis, Foot

    CPT-28222-FLEXOR-TENDON-ADHESION-RELEASE-FOOT

    CPT 28222: Flexor Tendon Adhesiolysis of the Foot

    CPT-28225-EXTENSOR-TENDON-ADHESION-RELEASE-FOOT

    CPT 28225: Tenolysis of Single Extensor Tendon, Foot

    CPT-28226-TENOLYSIS-EXTENSOR-TENDONS-FOOT

    CPT 28226: Tenolysis, Extensor Tendon of Foot, Multiple Tendons

    CPT-28230-FOOT-FLEXOR-TENDON-RELEASE-TENOTOMY

    CPT 28230: Flexor Tendon Lengthening/Division in Foot

    CPT-28232-TOE-FLEXOR-TENDON-OPEN-INCISION

    CPT 28232: Open Incision of Single Flexor Tendon of Toe

    Showing 1–10 of 50

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 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. 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. 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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