Summary & Overview
CPT 28344: Excision of Supernumerary Toe(s) with Repair
CPT code 28344 represents surgical removal of extra toe(s) (polydactyly) with repair of resulting defects. This code is used for operative management that restores anatomy and function after excision of supernumerary digits on the foot. Nationally, procedures for congenital or acquired polydactyly occur across ambulatory surgical centers and hospital outpatient departments, making accurate coding important for clinical documentation, claims processing, and quality measurement.
Key payers considered include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical indications tied to this procedure, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers associated with surgical procedures, and a summary of payer coverage patterns where available. The publication also outlines coding considerations relevant to surgical repair and reconstruction following excision, and highlights where input data is not available.
The content is intended for coding professionals, surgical providers, billing departments, and policy analysts seeking concise clinical and billing context for CPT code 28344, including benchmarks and policy updates when present. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 28344 describes surgical excision of supernumerary toe(s) (polydactyly) with repair of associated defects. The procedure involves removal of extra digit(s) on the foot and reconstruction of soft tissue and, if needed, bony structures to restore form and function.
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Service type: Surgical procedure, minor orthopedic/podiatric surgery
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department; may also be performed in an inpatient setting when clinically indicated
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 6-month-old infant presents to a pediatric orthopedic/plastic surgery clinic with preaxial polydactyly of the foot (an extra hallux) causing difficulty with footwear and hygiene. The patient has no medical comorbidities and preoperative evaluation including history, focused physical exam, and routine newborn screening results are unremarkable. Surgical planning is performed in clinic, informed consent obtained from the parent, and the procedure is scheduled as same-day ambulatory surgery in an outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia with regional/local block for postoperative pain control. In the operating room, the surgeon performs excision of the supernumerary toe and reconstructs the soft tissue and nailbed as needed to restore normal anatomic contour and function. Hemostasis is obtained, dressing applied, and the patient is discharged with instructions for wound care, activity limitation, and follow-up in clinic within 1–2 weeks for suture check and longer-term evaluation of foot development.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier — standard reporting | Use when no special circumstances apply. |
22 | Increased procedural services |