28003 Treatment of foot infection
Also known as: deep foot abscess drainage, deep foot infection I&D, foot osteomyelitis drainage
Incision and drainage of deep abscess or infection of the foot including bone. This procedure addresses deeper foot infections involving bone or requiring extensive debridement and drain placement.
In Plain Language
draining a deep infection in the foot; deep foot surgery for infection
Clinical Context
Performed for osteomyelitis, deep space foot infections, or abscesses involving bone. Often requires bone debridement and extended drainage. Common in diabetic foot infections or post-traumatic infections.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.15 |
| Total RVU | 5.15 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.15, this code ranks in the 35th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 28003?
CPT 28003 (Treatment of foot infection) is a Surgery code. Incision and drainage of deep abscess or infection of the foot including bone. This procedure addresses deeper foot infections involving bone or requiring extensive debridement and drain placement.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 28003?
The work RVU for CPT 28003 is 5.15. This code is primarily used by orthopedic surgery, foot and ankle surgery, infectious disease.
When is CPT 28003 used?
Performed for osteomyelitis, deep space foot infections, or abscesses involving bone. Often requires bone debridement and extended drainage. Common in diabetic foot infections or post-traumatic infections.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.