28011 Incision of toe tendons
Also known as: multiple tenosynovitis drainage, multiple sheath incision, complex foot drainage
Incision of multiple tendon sheaths or joint capsules of the foot and toes. This procedure addresses infection or inflammation involving multiple tendon sheaths or joints.
In Plain Language
draining infections in multiple toe tendons; complex foot tendon release
Clinical Context
Performed for severe foot infections with involvement of multiple tendon sheaths or joints. Often follows crush injuries, puncture wounds, or necrotizing infections requiring extensive drainage.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.17 |
| Total RVU | 4.17 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 4.17, this code ranks in the 29th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 28011?
CPT 28011 (Incision of toe tendons) is a Surgery code. Incision of multiple tendon sheaths or joint capsules of the foot and toes. This procedure addresses infection or inflammation involving multiple tendon sheaths or joints.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 28011?
The work RVU for CPT 28011 is 4.17. This code is primarily used by orthopedic surgery, foot and ankle surgery, trauma surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 28011 used?
Performed for severe foot infections with involvement of multiple tendon sheaths or joints. Often follows crush injuries, puncture wounds, or necrotizing infections requiring extensive drainage.
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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.