Skip to main content
29405

Application of short leg cast (below knee to toes)

Orthopedics Casting/Splinting 4.55 Total RVUs
Quick Reference
For application of short leg cast from below knee to toes

Relative Value Units (RVUs)

Calculator →
Work RVU
2.50
Physician effort
PE RVU
1.80
Practice expense
MP RVU
0.25
Malpractice
Total RVU
4.55
Combined value
Dollar reimbursement rates vary by locality and payer. RVUs shown for relative comparison only.
Calculate Payment

Clinical Information

When to Use

For application of short leg cast from below knee to toes

Time Requirement
15-30 minutes typical procedure time

Common Scenarios

Ankle fracture requiring immobilization
Foot fracture requiring short leg cast
Distal tibia/fibula fracture requiring immobilization
Post-operative immobilization
Lower extremity injury requiring immobilization

Documentation Requirements

  • Indication for short leg cast
  • Type of cast applied
  • Cast material used
  • Patient positioning
  • Follow-up instructions

Coding Guidelines

Common Modifiers

50 Bilateral procedure when both legs casted same session
51 Multiple procedures performed same session
LT Left side procedure
RT Right side procedure

Bundling Rules

  • Includes cast application
  • Includes cast materials
  • Removal of old cast coded separately
  • Follow-up visits within global period bundled
  • X-rays coded separately

Exclusions

  • 29425 (application of short leg cast; walking type)
  • 29435 (application of patellar tendon bearing cast)
  • 29505 (application of long leg splint)
  • 29515 (application of short leg splint)

Coding Notes

Short leg cast application
Global period is 10 days
Document indication and cast type
Cast removal bundled within global period

Clinical scenarios

Ankle fracture requiring immobilization
Ankle fracture requiring immobilization
When to use:For application of short leg cast from below knee to toes
  • Indication for short leg cast
  • Type of cast applied
  • Cast material used
Foot fracture requiring short leg cast
Foot fracture requiring short leg cast
When to use:For application of short leg cast from below knee to toes
  • Indication for short leg cast
  • Type of cast applied
  • Cast material used
Distal tibia/fibula fracture requiring immobilization
Distal tibia/fibula fracture requiring immobilization
When to use:For application of short leg cast from below knee to toes
  • Indication for short leg cast
  • Type of cast applied
  • Cast material used

Who are you?

Code Details

Code 29405
Category Orthopedics
Subcategory Casting/Splinting
Total RVUs 4.55

Medicare Pricing

PFS
2025 National Rate
$80.87
Facility
$57.90
Non-Facility
$80.87
RVU Breakdown
Work RVU:0.80PE RVU:1.57MP RVU:0.13Total RVU:2.50CF:$32.3465Global Days:000
OPPS Details
APC:5102Status:TCopayment:
Physician Fee Schedule: Medicare pays physicians based on Relative Value Units (RVUs) multiplied by a conversion factor.

Were You Charged for This?

Check Your Bill

Compare your charges against Medicare rates

NCCI Bundling Check

Can 29405 be billed with another code?

Full NCCI Checker

Automate Coding

Let OrbDoc AI automatically suggest codes from your clinical notes.

Patient? Check your bill.

Use our free analyzer to understand charges and spot errors.

Analyze My Bill

Ask OrbDoc AI

Get instant answers about 29405 - pricing, bundling rules, or billing questions.

Ask a Question

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 29405?

CPT 29405 is the billing code for "Application of short leg cast (below knee to toes)". For application of short leg cast from below knee to toes

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 29405?

Medicare pays approximately $80.87 for CPT 29405 (national average). Actual payment varies by geographic location due to GPCI adjustments. Hospital and commercial insurance rates are typically 2-4x higher than Medicare rates.

What are the RVUs for CPT 29405?

CPT 29405 has a total RVU of 4.55, broken down as: Work RVU 2.50, Practice Expense RVU 1.80, and Malpractice RVU 0.25. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

What documentation is required for CPT 29405?

Key documentation requirements for CPT 29405 include: Indication for short leg cast; Type of cast applied; Cast material used; Patient positioning. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Can CPT 29405 be billed with other codes?

Bundling considerations for CPT 29405: Includes cast application. Includes cast materials Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 29405?

Common modifiers for CPT 29405 include: 50 (Bilateral procedure when both legs casted same session), 51 (Multiple procedures performed same session), LT (Left side procedure). Modifiers indicate special circumstances and can affect reimbursement or prevent claim denials.

What is the time requirement for CPT 29405?

The typical time requirement for CPT 29405 is 15-30 minutes typical procedure time. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.

Related resources