Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 48403

Osteotomy of phalanx or metatarsal of first toe of foot, for correction of deformity, with internal fixation, including any of the following (if performed):

(a) removal of bone;

(b) excision of surrounding osteophytes;

(c) synovectomy;

(d) joint release;

—one bone (H)

Multiple Operation Rule

(Anaes.) (Assist.)

Fee: $547.40 Benefit: 75% = $410.55

(See para TN.8.168, TN.8.196, TN.8.200, TN.8.223 of explanatory notes to this Category)

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 An osteotomy is a planned bone cut that is intended to realign the bone or alter the length of a bone.

Related Items: 47501 48400 48403 48406 48409 48412 48415 48421 48422 48423 48424 48426 48427

• Removal of prominent bone or osteophytes can be billed as an isolated procedure under 48430 or when through a separate incision to other procedures. 
• When an osteotomy is performed through the bone to correct a deformity then the appropriate number is chosen from 48400, 48403, 48406, 48409, 48418 or 48421. 
• Not to be used when performing joint arthroscopy (49703, 49730 or 49732), bunion correction (49827, 49830, 49833, 49836, 49837 or 49838), neurolysis (39330), wound debridement (30023) or an arthrodesis procedure unless performed at a site separate to the excluded items.

Related Items: 39330 48400 48403 48406 48409 48421 48430 49703 49827 49833 49836 49837 49838

• An arthrodesis consists of joint preparation, removal of surrounding osteophytes, intraarticular joint correction and fixation by any means.
• Bone procedures items (48430, 48400, 48403, 48406, 48409, 48418, or 48421) are not to be claimed unless performed at a separate site to the arthrodesis.
• Neurolysis (39330), wound debridement (30023) and ganglion excision (30107) items are not to be claimed unless performed at a site separate to the arthrodesis site.

Related Items: 30023 39330 48400 48403 48406 48409 48421 48430 49712 49740 49742 49744 49760 49776 49777 49778 49779 49780 49781 49789 49790 49791 49792 49793 49794 49795 49796 49797 49798 49814 49815 49845 49851 50118

• Items for stabilisation of a joint procedure are indicated for use when items 49734, 48400, 48403, 49809 or 49812 do not represent the complete procedure performed.
• Not to be used on the same joint undergoing arthroscopy (49730 or 49732), bunion correction (49827, 49830, 49833, 49836, 49837 or 49838) or an arthrodesis procedure for stabilisation.

Related Items: 48400 48403 49706 49709 49734 49809 49812 49818 49827 49830 49833 49836 49837 49838 49845 49854