- CPT codes 11730 (Removal of nail plate) and 11732 (Removal of nail plate, add-on) involve the forcible separation and removal of a portion of or the entire nail from the nail bed matrix under anesthesia (other than topical)
- Simple cutting of a portion of the nail distal to the eponychium without injected local anesthesia is considered routine foot care and should not be coded CPT code 11730
- A complete description of the nail avulsion technique (including the method of obtaining anesthesia when applicable) must be documented in the medical records
- Appropriate postoperative care, including observation of the surgical site and/or treatment, should also be documented in the medical records
- For claims submitted electronically, this information should be indicated in the appropriate Documentation Record
Note: CPT code 11730 applies to one or both sides of a nail or the entire nail. Sides should not be submitted separately.