28088 Excise foot tendon sheath
Also known as: extensive tendon sheath excision, large tenosynovitis excision, complex sheath removal
Excision of foot or toe tendon sheath with more extensive dissection. This procedure removes larger areas of infected or inflamed tendon sheath tissue.
In Plain Language
extensive removal of infected tendon sheath; complex tendon surgery
Clinical Context
Used for extensive tenosynovitis or when multiple tendon sheaths are involved. More significant tissue involvement than simple sheath excision.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.88 |
| Total RVU | 3.88 |
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 3.88, this code ranks in the 27th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 28088?
CPT 28088 (Excise foot tendon sheath) is a Surgery code. Excision of foot or toe tendon sheath with more extensive dissection. This procedure removes larger areas of infected or inflamed tendon sheath tissue.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 28088?
The work RVU for CPT 28088 is 3.88. This code is primarily used by orthopedic surgery, foot and ankle surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 28088 used?
Used for extensive tenosynovitis or when multiple tendon sheaths are involved. More significant tissue involvement than simple sheath excision.
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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.