28120 Part removal of ankle/heel
Also known as: tarsal bone partial removal, tarsal excision, bone reconstruction foot
Partial excision of the tarsal bone (including calcaneus, talus, or other tarsal bones). This procedure removes a portion of a tarsal bone for reconstruction or treatment.
In Plain Language
removing part of a bone in the middle of the foot; tarsal bone surgery
Clinical Context
Performed for tarsal coalition removal, bone necrosis, or traumatic defects. Requires careful surgical planning to maintain foot architecture.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.13 |
| Total RVU | 7.13 |
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 7.13, this code ranks in the 46th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 28120?
CPT 28120 (Part removal of ankle/heel) is a Surgery code. Partial excision of the tarsal bone (including calcaneus, talus, or other tarsal bones). This procedure removes a portion of a tarsal bone for reconstruction or treatment.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 28120?
The work RVU for CPT 28120 is 7.13. This code is primarily used by orthopedic surgery, foot and ankle surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 28120 used?
Performed for tarsal coalition removal, bone necrosis, or traumatic defects. Requires careful surgical planning to maintain foot architecture.
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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.