Unlisted code for a procedure on the foot or toes that no listed foot code describes.

2 sources ↓

Medicare: $0.00
Work RVU: 0
Global, days
Region: Foot & ankle

Drawn from CMS

Documentation requirements

What must appear in the operative or office note to support the claim.

Source · Editorial brief grounded in 2 cited references ↓

Operative note naming bones, joints, or tendons treated
Toe or digit involved, matching the modifier
Why no listed foot or Category III code applies
Comparison code and reasoning
Laterality and imaging

Applicable modifiers

Modifiers commonly billed with this code.

Source · AMA CPT modifier descriptors · CMS NCCI Policy Manual

LT Left side RT Right side TA Modifier T1 Modifier T2 Modifier T3 Modifier T4 Modifier T5 Modifier T6 Modifier T7 Modifier T8 Modifier T9 Modifier

What this code covers

Source · Editorial summary grounded in 2 cited references ↓

28899 is the unlisted code for the foot and toes. It covers open or percutaneous foot procedures, including bones, joints, tendons, and soft tissue, when nothing in the foot and toes section fits. Ankle procedures are not here. The ankle sits with the leg codes and uses 27899 for unlisted work.

Podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons use it for newer implant procedures, some minimally invasive bunion techniques, and certain soft tissue procedures. Check for a listed code first, and check Category III codes. Coding guidance on percutaneous and minimally invasive bunion work has shifted over the years, so confirm the current AMA and payer position before choosing between a listed bunionectomy code and 28899.

No Medicare fee and a YYY global. Add laterality, and toe modifiers (TA through T9) where a specific digit is involved. Send the op note, a cover letter, and a comparison code. The diagnosis code has to support the surgery on its own.

RVU & reimbursement

Component RVUs and Medicare national rate. Actual payment varies by GPCI locality.

Source · CMS Physician Fee Schedule, RVU26A · January 2026

Work RVU	0
Practice expense RVU	0
Malpractice RVU	0
Total RVU	0
Medicare national rate	$0.00
Global period	days

Payment by site of service

Medicare pays different rates by setting. HOPD typically pays substantially more than ASC for the same procedure.

Source · CMS OPPS Addendum B·ASC HCPCS payment rates·2026

Setting	Medicare rate (national)
Office (PFS non-facility) Procedure performed in physician's office	$0.00
HOPD (APC 5111) Hospital outpatient department	$252.01

Common denial reasons

The recurring reasons claims for CPT 28899 get rejected.

Source · Editorial brief grounded in CMS NCCI edits, AAOS coding appeals, and cited references ↓

Ankle procedure billed with the foot unlisted code instead of 27899
A listed foot or toe code describes the work
Missing digit or laterality modifier
No op note or comparison code with the claim

Frequently asked questions

Source · Generated from the editorial pipeline, verified against 2 cited references ↓

01What does CPT 28899 cover?

Foot and toe procedures with no listed or Category III code. Ankle procedures use 27899.

02Is minimally invasive bunion surgery billed with 28899?

It depends on the technique and the current guidance. Check the AMA position and the payer's policy for the year, and use a listed bunionectomy code when the documented work matches one.

03Do toe modifiers apply to 28899?

Yes, when the procedure involves a specific toe. TA is the left great toe and T5 is the right great toe. Some payers ignore them on unlisted codes, but they rarely cause a denial.