Application of a static (non-dynamic) splint to one or more fingers for immobilization and support.

Verified May 8, 2026 · 5 sources ↓

Medicare: $46.09
Total RVUs: 1.38
Global, days: 0
Region: Hand

Drawn from CMSAAPCMdclarity

Documentation requirements

What must appear in the operative or office note to support the claim.

Source · Editorial brief grounded in 5 cited references ↓

Specify which finger(s) received the splint and laterality (right vs. left hand, specific digit).
Document that the splint is static, not dynamic — note absence of hinged or moveable components.
Record the clinical indication: diagnosis driving the need for immobilization (fracture, dislocation, tendon injury, post-op, etc.).
If a fracture treatment code is NOT billed same-day, document why 29130 is separately reportable (e.g., isolated soft-tissue injury or post-op splint change with no fracture code).
For E/M billed same-day, document a significant, separately identifiable evaluation beyond the splint application decision to support modifier 25.
Note splint material and fitting technique if custom fabrication is the basis for billing rather than an off-the-shelf device.

Applicable modifiers

Modifiers commonly billed with this code.

Source · AMA CPT modifier descriptors · CMS NCCI Policy Manual

22 Increased complexity 25 Significant separate E/M 51 Multiple procedures 59 Distinct service 76 Repeat, same physician 77 Repeat, another physician LT Left side RT Right side

What this code covers

Source · Editorial summary grounded in 5 cited references ↓

CPT 29130 covers the provider application of a static finger splint — one that holds the finger in a fixed position without any dynamic or moveable component. It is distinct from 29131, which covers a dynamic (hinged or spring-loaded) finger splint. The 000-day global period means there is no post-procedure global window; each visit stands alone for billing purposes.

The biggest coding trap with 29130 is NCCI bundling: when a fracture treatment code (e.g., 26720 for closed phalangeal fracture without manipulation) is reported on the same date, the splint application is already included in the fracture code. Bill the fracture treatment, not 29130. NCCI bases this bundle on correct coding principles, so it applies to all payers — not just Medicare.

A second denial driver is prefabricated or 'off-the-shelf' splints. Noridian has explicitly stated that 29130 cannot be billed separately for applying a pre-packaged splint when an L-code with 'fitting' in its descriptor is also reported. The application is considered packaged. Reserve 29130 for custom-fabricated or custom-fitted static finger splints applied by the provider.

RVU & reimbursement

Component RVUs and Medicare national rate. Actual payment varies by GPCI locality.

Source · CMS Physician Fee Schedule, RVU26A · January 2026

Work RVU	0.49
Practice expense RVU	0.81
Malpractice RVU	0.08
Total RVU	1.38
Medicare national rate	$46.09
Global period	0 days

Payment by site of service

Medicare pays different rates by setting. HOPD typically pays substantially more than ASC for the same procedure.

Source · CMS OPPS Addendum B·ASC HCPCS payment rates·2026

Setting	Medicare rate (national)
Office (PFS non-facility) Procedure performed in physician's office	$46.09
HOPD (APC 5734) Hospital outpatient department	$135.93

Common denial reasons

The recurring reasons claims for CPT 29130 get rejected.

Source · Editorial brief grounded in CMS NCCI edits, AAOS coding appeals, and cited references ↓

NCCI bundle denial when 29130 is billed alongside a fracture treatment code (e.g., 26720) — the splint is included in the fracture code.
Denial for applying a prefabricated or off-the-shelf splint whose corresponding L-code already includes fitting in its descriptor.
Missing or incorrect laterality/digit specificity on the claim, triggering payer edits or mismatch with ICD-10 laterality.
Unbundling denial when billed with 29131 (dynamic splint) for the same finger on the same date without a distinct medical justification and modifier 59.
E/M denial when modifier 25 is absent and an office visit is billed on the same day as the splint application.

Frequently asked questions

Source · Generated from the editorial pipeline, verified against 5 cited references ↓

01Can I bill 29130 when I also bill a finger fracture treatment code on the same day?

No. NCCI bundles 29130 into fracture treatment codes like 26720. The initial splint application is included in the fracture code. Bill the fracture treatment code only; dropping 29130 separately will trigger a bundle denial across all payers, not just Medicare.

02What is the difference between 29130 and 29131?

29130 is for a static finger splint — fixed position, no movement. 29131 is for a dynamic (moveable or spring-loaded) finger splint. Document the splint type explicitly; using the wrong code is a common audit flag.

03Can I bill 29130 for applying an off-the-shelf or pre-packaged finger splint?

No, if the corresponding L-code already includes fitting in its descriptor. Noridian has stated that application of a pre-packaged splint is a packaged service on the same day as an E/M or procedure and cannot be separately billed under 29130.

04Do I need modifier 25 when billing an E/M visit the same day as 29130?

Yes if your payer requires it — and most do. The E/M must reflect a significant, separately identifiable service beyond the decision to apply the splint. Document the distinct medical decision-making in the note, not just the splint application.

05How do I bill 29130 for bilateral finger splints on the same date?

Append modifier 50 for a bilateral application, or use LT and RT on separate claim lines depending on payer preference. Confirm with each payer — some require modifier 50 on a single line; others require two lines with LT/RT.

06What is the global period for 29130, and does it affect same-day E/M billing?

The global period is 000 days, meaning there is no post-operative global window. Each visit is independently billable. However, on the day of the procedure itself, you still need modifier 25 on any same-day E/M to separate it from the splint application.

Sources & references

Editorial content was developed using the following public sources. Last verified May 8, 2026.

Mira AI Scribe

Mira's AI scribe captures the specific digit and hand, splint type (static, non-dynamic), clinical indication, and whether the splint was custom-fabricated or prefabricated from dictation. That distinction prevents the prefabricated-splint non-payment denial flagged by Noridian and ensures the claim matches ICD-10 laterality codes before submission.

See how Mira captures CPT 29130 documentation