Summary & Overview
CPT 28755: Great Toe Interphalangeal Joint Immobilization
CPT code 28755 represents a surgical procedure performed to immobilize the interphalangeal joint of the great toe, commonly through joint fusion or fixation. This code is used to report definitive surgical management when motion at the great toe interphalangeal joint is eliminated to address pain, deformity, or instability. Nationally, procedures on the great toe joint are relevant due to their impact on ambulation, functional outcomes, and post-operative care pathways.
Key payers included in the scope are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise national overview of coding intent, typical clinical indications, and expected sites of service. The publication summarizes common billing practices, relevant modifiers provided in the input, and clinical context for documentation that supports reporting of this code.
This report is organized to help coding, billing, and clinical staff understand where 28755 fits in the surgical spectrum for foot procedures, how payers commonly view the service line, and what benchmarks and policy considerations to review. Data not provided in the input is explicitly noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 28755 describes a surgical procedure to immobilize the interphalangeal joint of the great toe. The interphalangeal joint is the joint between the two phalanges of the great toe. The procedure typically involves surgical fusion or fixation to eliminate motion at that joint for pain relief, deformity correction, or stabilization.
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Service type: Surgical procedure, toe joint arthrodesis/arthrodesis-like immobilization
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with chronic pain, instability, severe hallux rigidus, or post-traumatic deformity isolated to the interphalangeal joint of the great toe. The patient presents to an orthopedic foot and ankle clinic after conservative measures (orthotics, activity modification, corticosteroid injection) fail to relieve symptoms. Preoperative assessment includes history, exam documenting focal pain at the interphalangeal joint, radiographs showing arthrosis or subluxation, and medical clearance. On the day of service the procedure is performed in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department under regional block or general anesthesia. The surgeon performs surgical arthrodesis (fusion) of the interphalangeal joint of the great toe using internal fixation (screw, K-wire, or plate) to obtain pain relief and correct alignment. Postoperative workflow includes immediate recovery, dressing and immobilization in a postoperative shoe or cast, discharge with weight‑bearing instructions as tolerated or per surgeon preference, and scheduled follow-up for wound check and radiographic confirmation of fusion at intervals (6–12 weeks). Typical billing uses the primary procedural code 28755 for IP joint arthrodesis of the great toe, with additional codes if an open reduction, fixation hardware removal, or concurrent procedures are performed.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
50 | Bilateral procedure |