2025 CPT code 29000
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Application of halo type body cast - Musculoskeletal System Surgery Feed
Application of a halo-type body cast for immobilization of the head and neck, often used after spinal surgery or trauma.
Modifiers such as 22 (increased procedural services), 58 (staged or related procedure), 76 (repeat procedure), 77 (repeat procedure by another physician), 78 (unplanned return to OR), and 79 (unrelated procedure) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity for a halo-type body cast is established by the underlying condition requiring immobilization, such as spinal surgery, trauma, or instability.
The physician measures the patient, selects the right size vest, applies the vest and bars, connects them to the halo, tightens all components, assesses the fit, and instructs the patient or caregiver on adjustments.
In simple words: The doctor puts on a special body cast that keeps the head and neck from moving.It's like a vest that attaches to a metal ring around the head. This is often used after surgery or an injury to the spine.
Application of halo type body cast (see 20661-20663 for insertion). This involves applying a sheepskin-lined rigid vest that attaches with bars to a halo (metal ring) fixed to the skull with screws.The cast immobilizes the head and neck after spinal surgery or injury.It may also be attached to the pelvis or femur.
Example 1: A patient undergoes cervical spine surgery and requires postoperative immobilization. A halo-type body cast is applied., A patient sustains a traumatic cervical spine injury. A halo-type body cast is applied for stabilization., Following initial application, a patient's halo-type body cast requires replacement due to wear or growth. Code 29000 is used for the replacement application.
Documentation should include the reason for the cast application (e.g., postoperative immobilization, trauma), the type of cast applied (halo-type body cast), and any associated procedures or injuries.
** Code 29000 is for the application of the body cast component, not the halo ring itself (see 20661-20663 for halo ring insertion). If 29000 is reported as an initial service with no other procedure, an E/M code with modifier 25 may be appropriate, or possibly code 99070 with the E/M code.
- Revenue Code: P6B
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center