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The procedure described by CPT® Code 29440 involves the addition of a walker to a cast that has already been applied to a patient's leg. This procedure is specifically designed to enhance mobility for patients who are in a short or long leg cast, allowing them to walk more safely and comfortably. The walker itself is a prefabricated device made from a non-slip material, which is crucial for providing stability and preventing slips while the patient is ambulating. The process begins with the careful attachment of the walker to the bottom of the cast, which involves the application of several strips of plaster. These strips are strategically placed to ensure that the walker is securely affixed to the cast. The walker is then positioned accurately, and the plaster is molded around it to create a firm bond. Additionally, a second strip of plaster is utilized to further secure the walker by wrapping it around the top of the cast, ensuring that it remains in place during use. This procedure is essential for patients who require support while walking, as it allows them to maintain mobility without compromising the integrity of the cast or their safety.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 29440 is indicated for patients who have a previously applied short or long leg cast and require additional support for ambulation. The following conditions may warrant the addition of a walker:
The procedure for adding a walker to a previously applied cast involves several detailed steps to ensure proper attachment and functionality.
After the walker has been successfully added to the cast, the patient will be monitored for proper fit and comfort. It is important to ensure that the walker does not interfere with the healing process of the leg. Patients may receive instructions on how to use the walker safely while ambulating. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the condition of the cast and the effectiveness of the walker in aiding mobility. Additionally, patients should be advised to report any discomfort or issues with the walker or cast to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | ADDITION OF WALKER TO CAST | Medium Descr | ADDING WALKER PREVIOUSLY APPLIED CAST | Long Descr | Adding walker to previously applied cast | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 214 - Traction, splints, and other wound care |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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