29405 application short leg cast
Also known as: short leg cast, below knee cast, ankle cast
Application of a short leg plaster cast from below the knee to the foot, providing immobilization of the ankle and lower leg without weight-bearing.
In Plain Language
lower leg cast; foot and ankle cast
Clinical Context
Indicated for ankle fractures, distal tibia and fibula fractures, and foot injuries requiring non-weight-bearing immobilization.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.78 |
| Total RVU | 0.78 |
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 0.78, this code ranks in the 3rd percentile among Surgery codes — 10.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 29405?
CPT 29405 (application short leg cast) is a Surgery code. Application of a short leg plaster cast from below the knee to the foot, providing immobilization of the ankle and lower leg without weight-bearing.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29405?
The work RVU for CPT 29405 is 0.78. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine.
When is CPT 29405 used?
Indicated for ankle fractures, distal tibia and fibula fractures, and foot injuries requiring non-weight-bearing immobilization.
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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.