Summary & Overview
CPT 28288: Excision of Part of Single Metatarsal Head (Condylectomy/Exostectomy)
CPT code 28288 denotes surgical excision of part of a single metatarsal head, including condylectomy or exostectomy to remove a metatarsal head or associated bony prominence. This procedure is an important component of foot and ankle surgical practice and affects orthopedic, podiatric, and surgical reimbursement and utilization patterns nationally. Payers commonly involved in coverage and payment for this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will find an overview of the clinical intent of the code, typical sites of service, and how the procedure fits into surgical practice. The publication summarizes benchmark payment information, common modifier usage and administrative considerations, and relevant clinical context that influences coding and billing. It also highlights policy and reimbursement factors that drive payer variation and potential documentation expectations. The content is intended to support coding professionals, practice administrators, and clinicians seeking concise, national-level guidance on CPT code 28288 and its role in foot and ankle surgical care.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 28288 describes the surgical removal of part of a single metatarsal head of the foot. The procedure may involve a condylectomy (removal of the metatarsal head) or an exostectomy (removal of an associated bony growth).
Service Type: Surgical procedure — foot/orthopedic surgery
Typical Site of Service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center; may also be performed in an inpatient hospital setting depending on clinical need.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 55-year-old with chronic painful hallux valgus or a symptomatic dorsal exostosis on the lesser metatarsal head causing persistent transfer metatarsalgia. Conservative treatments (shoe modification, orthotics, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injection) have failed. The patient presents to an orthopedic foot and ankle or podiatry clinic for surgical consultation. Imaging (weight-bearing foot radiographs) demonstrates a deformity or bony prominence localized to a single metatarsal head. The clinician discusses risks, benefits, and alternatives, obtains informed consent, and schedules an operative procedure under regional block or general anesthesia. In the operating room or ambulatory surgical center, the surgeon performs an incision, exposes the affected metatarsal head, and performs a condylectomy or exostectomy removing the bony prominence to alleviate joint impingement or redistribute forefoot pressure. Hemostasis is achieved, soft tissues closed, sterile dressing applied, and the patient is recovered in phase I/II recovery with postoperative weight-bearing instructions and follow-up arranged.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
52 | Reduced Services | Use when a portion of the planned procedure is not completed, resulting in a substantially reduced service. |
53 |