Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers
CPT 29700: Cast Removal or Modification, Body/Foot/Hand
CPT code 29700 denotes the removal or modification of an existing cast for the body, foot, or hand when the cast is no longer required, needs replacement, or has become too tight from swelling. This procedure supports ongoing fracture care and safe skin and soft-tissue management, making it a routine but clinically important component of orthopedic and emergency services. Nationally, cast removal/revision procedures impact utilization patterns across outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and ambulatory surgery centers.
Key payers considered in this profile include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical indications for the service, typical sites of care, and how the code relates to nearby cast-management codes. The publication highlights benchmarking elements such as typical use cases and service-line placement and flags related coding paths for cast procedures.
This summary provides clinicians, billing staff, and policy analysts a focused reference on when CPT code 29700 is applicable, how it fits into fracture and immobilization workflows, and which major national payers cover the service. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable in detailed sections.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for cpt 29700 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 29700 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 29700 describes the removal or modification of an existing cast covering the body, foot, or hand when the cast is no longer required, requires replacement, or has become too tight due to excessive swelling. This service is a procedure for cast management focused on safe removal or alteration of immobilization devices.
Service Type: Cast removal or revision
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and ambulatory surgery centers, where orthopedic or emergency care providers perform cast care and management.
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
Commercial averages for CPT 29700 sit above Medicare: Blue Cross Blue Shield and BUCA show notably higher means versus Medicare’s mean of $71.5. BUCA’s mean is $140.4, roughly double Medicare, while Blue Cross Blue Shield’s mean is $191.3, well above Medicare, illustrating a material spread between public and several commercial payers.
Dispersion (P75 minus P25) highlights where rates concentrate or spread. Blue Cross Blue Shield has the widest interquartile spread at $78.8 ($232.9–$154.1), followed by UnitedHealth Group at $57.0 ($114–$57) and Cigna at $64.0 ($111.6–$49.7). Aetna is comparatively tighter with a spread of $38.1 ($57.5–$19.0). BUCA’s interquartile spread equals $67.8 ($173.5–$105.7), while Medicare’s spread is $7 ($74–$67), the tightest of the set.