11/13/2018

Correct Coding for Sinus Tarsi Decompression

WHAT IS THE PROPER PROCEDURE CODE FOR A SINUS TARSI DECOMPRESSION

Code Description: 28070

Synovectomy; intertarsal or tarsometatarsal joint, each

Lay Description (Code):

The physician makes an incision on the top of the foot over the small bones of the foot in front of the ankle. The skin is reflected to expose the tendons. They are divided and the soft tissue reflected to expose the bones. The synovium is the lining between the bones that becomes thickened and inflamed with some disease processes. The synovium is removed by careful dissection. The bones are allowed back into their original position and the skin is closed with sutures. Report 28072 if the area of incision is further toward the toes, between the long bones of the foot and the phalanges (toes).

Coding Tips

Limited or partial synovectomy is often incidental to more complex procedures and should not be reported separately. For synovectomy, tendon sheath, foot, see 28086 and 28088.