Summary & Overview
CPT 28805: Metatarsal-Level Partial Foot Amputation
CPT code 28805 denotes a surgical partial foot amputation performed by cutting across the metatarsal bones. This procedure is clinically significant for limb preservation strategies, trauma management, severe infection control, and complications of peripheral vascular disease and diabetic foot disease. As a definitive surgical intervention, metatarsal-level amputation affects post-operative rehabilitation needs, prosthetic planning, and downstream costs of care.
Key payers addressed in national analyses include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage policies and reimbursement rates for partial foot amputations influence site-of-service decisions (hospital inpatient, outpatient surgical center) and care pathways for patients with complex comorbidities.
Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for CPT code 28805, typical sites of service, and where this procedure fits within surgical and limb-salvage care. The publication also summarizes benchmarks and payment considerations, highlights relevant coding relationships, and flags areas where policy or reimbursement updates commonly arise. Data not provided in the input (for example, specific payer rates, ICD-10 diagnoses, or associated taxonomies) are noted as unavailable in the input.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 28805 describes a surgical amputation of the foot performed by transecting across the metatarsal bones. The procedure removes the distal part of the foot at the level of the metatarsals and is a form of partial foot amputation.
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Service type: Surgical procedure — partial foot amputation (metatarsal-level)
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Typical site of service: Operating room or surgical suite in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with severe forefoot pathology such as progressive ischemic gangrene, uncontrolled infection (osteomyelitis) of the toes and distal metatarsals, or trauma with non-salvageable forefoot. The patient often has comorbid peripheral arterial disease and diabetes mellitus and presents with non-healing wounds, purulent drainage, spreading cellulitis, or exposed bone. Prior to surgery, the workflow includes preoperative vascular assessment (ABI, duplex ultrasound), optimization of glycemic control and antibiotics, informed consent discussing level of amputation, and planning for postoperative prosthetic or shoe modifications. The procedure is performed in an operating room or ambulatory surgery center under regional or general anesthesia with sterile prep; the surgeon transects across the metatarsal bones to remove the forefoot, achieves hemostasis, performs soft-tissue balancing and closure or flap coverage, and places dressings. Postoperative care includes pain control, wound care, vascular/diabetic follow-up, and rehabilitation and prosthetic/orthotic planning as indicated.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
50 | Bilateral procedure | When both feet have forefoot amputations performed during the same operative session |
62 |