Summary & Overview
CPT 29505: Application of Long Leg Splint (Thigh to Ankle or Toes)
CPT code 29505 represents the application of a long leg splint, a procedure essential in orthopedic practice for immobilizing the lower extremity from the thigh to the ankle or toes. This intervention is frequently utilized in cases of fractures, trauma, or other conditions requiring stabilization to promote healing and prevent further injury. The procedure is typically performed in an office setting, making it accessible for both emergency and routine orthopedic care.
Major national payers covering this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. The publication provides a comprehensive overview of payer coverage, clinical indications, and relevant policy updates for this procedure. Readers will gain insights into coding benchmarks, common clinical scenarios, and the role of CPT code 29505 in orthopedic and emergency medicine workflows. The summary also highlights associated modifiers and taxonomies, offering clarity on documentation and billing practices.
This article is designed for healthcare professionals, billing specialists, and policy analysts seeking up-to-date information on the application of long leg splints. It covers the clinical context, payer landscape, and coding nuances, supporting informed decision-making in medical billing and compliance.
CPT Code Overview
CPT code 29505 is used to report the application of a long leg splint, which extends from the thigh to the ankle or toes. This procedure is commonly performed in orthopedic settings to immobilize the lower extremity following fractures, injuries, or other conditions requiring stabilization. The typical site of service for this procedure is the office, designated as Place of Service 11. The application of a long leg splint is a critical intervention in orthopedic care, ensuring proper alignment and support during the healing process.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to the orthopedic office after sustaining a closed fracture of the lower end or shaft of the tibia, either on the right or left side. The injury may be due to trauma or a pathological process. After clinical evaluation and imaging, the provider determines that immobilization is required. The provider applies a long leg splint, extending from the thigh to the ankle or toes, to stabilize the fracture and facilitate healing. The procedure is performed in the office setting by an orthopedic surgeon, orthopedic trauma specialist, or emergency medicine physician.
Coding Specifications
-
Modifiers:
LT: Indicates the procedure was performed on the left side.RT: Indicates the procedure was performed on the right side.
-
Provider Taxonomies:
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty Name |
|---|---|
207X00000X | Orthopaedic Surgery |
207XX0004X | Orthopaedic Trauma |
207P00000X | Emergency Medicine Physician |
- Specialties Represented:
- Orthopaedic Surgery: Providers specializing in surgical and non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
- Orthopaedic Trauma: Providers focusing on acute musculoskeletal injuries and trauma care.
- Emergency Medicine Physician: Providers managing acute injuries in emergency settings.
Related Diagnoses
-
S82.401A: Unspecified fracture of lower end of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture- Indicates a new, closed fracture at the lower end of the right tibia, relevant for immobilization with a long leg splint.
-
S82.402A: Unspecified fracture of lower end of left tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture- Indicates a new, closed fracture at the lower end of the left tibia, requiring splint application.
-
S82.301A: Unspecified fracture of shaft of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture- Represents a closed fracture of the shaft of the right tibia, necessitating immobilization with a long leg splint.
-
S82.302A: Unspecified fracture of shaft of left tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture- Represents a closed fracture of the shaft of the left tibia, appropriate for splinting.
-
M84.461A: Pathological fracture, right tibia, initial encounter for fracture- Indicates a fracture of the right tibia due to underlying pathology, such as osteoporosis or malignancy, requiring stabilization with a splint.
Related CPT Codes
-
29405: Application of short leg cast (below knee to toes)- Used for immobilization of lower leg fractures when a cast is preferred over a splint. Alternative to
29505for less extensive injuries.
- Used for immobilization of lower leg fractures when a cast is preferred over a splint. Alternative to
-
29515: Application of short leg splint (calf to foot)- Used for immobilization of lower leg injuries that do not require a long leg splint. May be used as an alternative or in conjunction with
29505depending on injury location.
- Used for immobilization of lower leg injuries that do not require a long leg splint. May be used as an alternative or in conjunction with
-
29125: Application of short arm splint (forearm to hand); static- Used for upper extremity injuries. Not typically used with
29505, but relevant for splinting procedures in other anatomical regions.
- Used for upper extremity injuries. Not typically used with
-
99213: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, typically 15 minutes- Commonly billed for the evaluation and management of the patient prior to the application of the splint. Often used together with
29505in the clinical workflow.
- Commonly billed for the evaluation and management of the patient prior to the application of the splint. Often used together with
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
Medicare's national mean rate for CPT code 29505 is $113.53, which is higher than the BUCA (average commercial) mean rate of $97.82. Among the commercial payers, UnitedHealth Group has the highest mean rate at $129.68, while Aetna is the lowest at $73.92.
Rate dispersion, measured by the difference between the 75th and 25th percentiles, varies significantly across payers. Medicare shows the tightest range at $14.00, indicating relatively consistent reimbursement. In contrast, Cigna and UnitedHealth Group exhibit the widest dispersions, with ranges of $68.50 and $74.67 respectively, reflecting greater variability in rates. The table and chart below present the full breakdown of national benchmarks for each payer.
Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.