2025 CPT code 29700
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Removal or Repair of Casts and Strapping Musculoskeletal System Feed
Removal or bivalving of a cast (gauntlet, boot, or body cast) applied by another provider.
Modifiers 25, 50, 76, RT, LT can apply depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity is established by the need to remove a constricting cast, address swelling, or facilitate wound healing. Proper documentation of the underlying condition and the clinical indication for removal is required.
The physician is responsible for the safe and effective removal or bivalving of the cast, assessing the underlying condition, and potentially recommending further treatment.
In simple words: The doctor removes a cast that was put on by a different doctor.This might involve cutting the cast to relieve swelling or fully removing it.
This CPT code encompasses the removal or bivalving of a cast, including gauntlet, boot, or body casts, that were previously applied by a different healthcare professional.The procedure involves the use of a cast saw to section the cast, a spreader to separate the sections, and bandage scissors to remove the padding.If bivalving is performed to reduce swelling, the cast sections are re-secured.The procedure does not include cast application or replacement, which are separately reportable if performed.
Example 1: A patient presents with a full leg cast applied by an orthopedic surgeon following a tibia fracture.Three weeks post-op, the patient's swelling has decreased, and the cast needs to be removed.This would be coded as 29700. , A patient with a wrist fracture has a gauntlet cast applied in the Emergency Department. Following follow-up, the patient returns to their primary care physician who removes the cast and begins physical therapy. This is coded as 29700., A patient has a body cast applied following a spinal fracture by a neurosurgeon and is seen by an orthopedic physician for removal.The orthopedic physician bivalves the cast to reduce pressure and prevent skin breakdown. This would be coded as 29700.
* Documentation should include the reason for cast removal (e.g., healing, swelling, patient discomfort).* The type of cast (gauntlet, boot, body) should be specified.* If bivalving was performed, this should be documented along with the reason.* Documentation should show the cast was applied by another provider.
** If the same provider applies and removes the cast on the same day, the removal is typically bundled into the application code.Supplies used for the removal procedure are billed separately.
- Revenue Code: P6B (Minor Procedures - Musculoskeletal)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text.Consult the AMA CPT codebook or other relevant resources for RVU data.
- Global Days: This information is not available in the provided text.Consult the AMA CPT codebook or other relevant resources for global period information.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: No TC modifier applies to this code.
- Fee Schedule: This information is not available in the provided text. Consult fee schedule databases or other relevant resources.
- Specialties:Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Urgent Care Facility, Emergency Room - Hospital