CPT code 29700: Cast removal, gauntlet or boot cast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Bakersfield, CA
Report this service when a gauntlet or boot cast is removed or split, such as to relieve constriction or end immobilization.
In Bakersfield, CA, Medicare pays $72.87 for 29700 in the office and $30.04 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 29700 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 29700 covers
This service covers removing or splitting a cast in the gauntlet or boot category. Bivalving means cutting the cast lengthwise so it separates into sections; removal takes the cast off. Orthopedic clinicians commonly perform the work in an office or facility when a cast needs to be opened for pressure relief or removed when immobilization is complete. Document the cast type and site, whether it was split or removed, and the clinical reason for the work.
Select this code for a gauntlet or boot cast, not a full arm or leg cast or a shoulder or hip spica. Medicare assigns a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. When multiple procedures are performed in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. A bilateral adjustment is inappropriate. Assistant-at-surgery services are not paid, and co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How Bakersfield, CA compares for 29700
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 29700 runs from $60.99 in Arkansas to $90.77 in San Benito County, CA. Bakersfield, CA pays $72.87. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Bakersfield, CA · this page$72.87
- Chico, CA · California$72.62−$0.25
- El Centro, CA · California$72.63−$0.24
- Fresno, CA · California$72.62−$0.25
- Hanford, CA · California$72.62−$0.25
- Los Angeles, CA · California$77.58+$4.71
- Madera, CA · California$72.62−$0.25
Other areas in California first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Merced, CACalifornia | $72.62 | $29.79 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $72.62 | $29.79 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $83.92 | $32.42 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $77.16 | $30.97 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $72.62 | $29.79 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $72.62 | $29.79 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $73.59 | $30.76 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $76.15 | $30.70 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $75.87 | $30.57 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $77.62 | $30.88 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $88.74 | $33.64 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $88.63 | $33.53 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $90.77 | $34.41 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $90.35 | $34.00 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $74.66 | $30.14 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $78.34 | $30.85 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $76.14 | $30.58 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $79.12 | $31.13 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $72.62 | $29.79 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $83.77 | $32.27 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $72.62 | $29.79 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $72.62 | $29.79 |
| Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia | $78.93 | $32.90 |
| Miami, FLFlorida | $75.68 | $35.00 |
| Chicago, ILIllinois | $73.40 | $34.13 |
| Manhattan, NYNew York | $79.78 | $34.37 |
| AlaskaAlaska | $80.23 | $38.61 |
| AlabamaAlabama | $61.91 | $27.71 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $60.99 | $27.43 |
| ArizonaArizona | $67.24 | $29.37 |
| ColoradoColorado | $71.74 | $30.16 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $73.80 | $31.71 |
| DelawareDelaware | $68.36 | $29.75 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $72.19 | $32.60 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $68.57 | $31.21 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $70.56 | $30.85 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $64.59 | $29.74 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $74.37 | $29.94 |
| IowaIowa | $63.30 | $27.54 |
| IdahoIdaho | $63.76 | $27.81 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $68.39 | $32.44 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $66.71 | $31.03 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $72.87 | $32.74 |
| IndianaIndiana | $64.13 | $27.91 |
| KansasKansas | $63.10 | $27.77 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $63.62 | $28.88 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $66.75 | $29.98 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $63.56 | $28.97 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $78.78 | $32.12 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $71.34 | $30.19 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $73.61 | $31.68 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $69.65 | $30.10 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $64.21 | $28.26 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $67.60 | $28.88 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $69.54 | $31.83 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $65.40 | $29.72 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $68.40 | $28.19 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $66.18 | $29.48 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $66.87 | $29.67 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $62.52 | $28.83 |
| MississippiMississippi | $61.76 | $28.12 |
| MontanaMontana | $69.13 | $30.05 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $64.88 | $28.42 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $67.35 | $28.28 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $63.62 | $27.55 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $70.71 | $30.03 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $78.11 | $32.78 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $74.54 | $31.87 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $65.81 | $29.97 |
| NevadaNevada | $68.69 | $29.57 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $81.88 | $35.41 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $75.12 | $32.33 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $80.30 | $34.11 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $65.88 | $28.75 |
| OhioOhio | $65.04 | $29.36 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $63.39 | $28.50 |
| Portland, OROregon | $73.93 | $30.52 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $68.06 | $29.13 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $72.00 | $31.32 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $65.09 | $29.21 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $69.62 | $30.11 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $70.74 | $30.37 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $65.08 | $28.98 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $67.14 | $28.06 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $63.43 | $27.91 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $71.59 | $30.24 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $64.66 | $29.10 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $68.20 | $29.47 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $68.69 | $29.77 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $68.26 | $29.72 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $68.44 | $29.63 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $70.09 | $31.28 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $66.43 | $29.34 |
| UtahUtah | $65.99 | $29.25 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $67.45 | $29.04 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $69.62 | $30.11 |
| VermontVermont | $67.18 | $28.49 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $71.18 | $30.03 |
| King County, WAWashington | $80.29 | $32.34 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $65.07 | $27.63 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $64.22 | $30.26 |
| WyomingWyoming | $68.36 | $29.28 |
29700 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$60.99
$81.70
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $80.23 | 1 |
| AL | $61.91 | 1 |
| AR | $60.99 | 1 |
| AZ | $67.24 | 1 |
| CA | $72.62–$90.77 | 29 |
| CO | $71.74 | 1 |
| CT | $73.80 | 1 |
| DC | $78.93 | 1 |
| DE | $68.36 | 1 |
| FL | $68.57–$75.68 | 3 |
| GA | $64.59–$70.56 | 2 |
| GU | $74.37 | 1 |
| HI | $74.37 | 1 |
| IA | $63.30 | 1 |
| ID | $63.76 | 1 |
| IL | $66.71–$73.40 | 4 |
| IN | $64.13 | 1 |
| KS | $63.10 | 1 |
| KY | $63.62 | 1 |
| LA | $63.56–$66.75 | 2 |
| MA | $71.34–$78.78 | 2 |
| MD | $69.65–$78.93 | 3 |
| ME | $64.21–$67.60 | 2 |
| MI | $65.40–$69.54 | 2 |
| MN | $68.40 | 1 |
| MO | $62.52–$66.87 | 3 |
| MS | $61.76 | 1 |
| MT | $69.13 | 1 |
| NC | $64.88 | 1 |
| ND | $67.35 | 1 |
| NE | $63.62 | 1 |
| NH | $70.71 | 1 |
| NJ | $74.54–$78.11 | 2 |
| NM | $65.81 | 1 |
| NV | $68.69 | 1 |
| NY | $65.88–$81.88 | 5 |
| OH | $65.04 | 1 |
| OK | $63.39 | 1 |
| OR | $68.06–$73.93 | 2 |
| PA | $65.09–$72.00 | 2 |
| PR | $69.62 | 1 |
| RI | $70.74 | 1 |
| SC | $65.08 | 1 |
| SD | $67.14 | 1 |
| TN | $63.43 | 1 |
| TX | $64.66–$71.59 | 8 |
| UT | $65.99 | 1 |
| VA | $67.45–$78.93 | 2 |
| VI | $69.62 | 1 |
| VT | $67.18 | 1 |
| WA | $71.18–$80.29 | 2 |
| WI | $65.07 | 1 |
| WV | $64.22 | 1 |
| WY | $68.36 | 1 |
How the 29700 rate is calculated
Each of 29700’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 29700
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.56
0.56 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense1.42
1.42 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.09
0.09 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
2.0700
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$69.14
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Bakersfield, CA inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
3,306
- Code
- 29700
- Physician work
- 0.56
- Practice expense
- 1.42
- Malpractice
- 0.09
GPCI2026.csv
8
- Locality
- Bakersfield, CA
- Physician work
- 1.019
- Practice expense
- 1.096
- Malpractice
- 0.609
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.56 | × 1.019 | 0.5706 |
| Practice expense | 1.42 | × 1.096 | 1.5563 |
| Malpractice | 0.09 | × 0.609 | 0.0548 |
| Total RVUs | 2.1818 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Bakersfield, CA$72.87
Office: (0.56 × 1.019 + 1.42 × 1.096 + 0.09 × 0.609) × $33.4009 = $72.87
Facility: (0.56 × 1.019 + 0.25 × 1.096 + 0.09 × 0.609) × $33.4009 = $30.04
Payment rules and modifiers for 29700
The CMS indicators that decide how 29700 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 29700
Cast removal, gauntlet or boot cast
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 000 | Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 51 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
29700 without 51 · national office
$69.14
Cast removal, gauntlet or boot cast
29700-51 · Second procedure: 50%
$34.57
When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).
How 29700 has changed in Bakersfield, CA
29700 · Office / nonfacility
$72.87
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $4.60 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $68.27 to $72.87 (6.7%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$68.27changed to$72.87
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.57 changed to 0.56
- Practice expense RVU 1.34 changed to 1.42
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09
- Work GPCI 1.017 changed to 1.019
- Practice expense GPCI 1.093 changed to 1.096
- Malpractice GPCI 0.662 changed to 0.609
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$68.07changed to$68.27
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 1.28 changed to 1.34
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$66.96changed to$68.07
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$66.07changed to$66.96
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 1.20 changed to 1.28
- Work GPCI 1.027 changed to 1.017
- Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.093
- Malpractice GPCI 0.694 changed to 0.662
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$64.96changed to$66.07
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 1.14 changed to 1.20
- Work GPCI 1.036 changed to 1.027
- Practice expense GPCI 1.065 changed to 1.079
- Malpractice GPCI 0.726 changed to 0.694
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$65.03changed to$64.96
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 1.13 changed to 1.14
- Work GPCI 1.035 changed to 1.036
- Malpractice GPCI 0.704 changed to 0.726
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$66.68changed to$65.03
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 1.12 changed to 1.13
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
- Work GPCI 1.032 changed to 1.035
- Practice expense GPCI 1.070 changed to 1.065
- Malpractice GPCI 0.677 changed to 0.704
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$68.02changed to$66.68
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 1.17 changed to 1.12
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.09
- Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.032
- Practice expense GPCI 1.074 changed to 1.070
- Malpractice GPCI 0.618 changed to 0.677
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$69.44changed to$68.02
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 1.21 changed to 1.17
- Malpractice GPCI 0.599 changed to 0.618
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$67.06changed to$69.44
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 1.14 changed to 1.21
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
- Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.020
- Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.074
- Malpractice GPCI 0.610 changed to 0.599
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
No ratechanged to$67.06
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $72.87 | $30.04 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $72.87 | $30.04 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $72.87 | $30.04 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $72.87 | $30.04 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $68.27 | $32.56 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $68.27 | $32.56 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $68.27 | $32.56 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $68.27 | $32.56 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $68.07 | $33.14 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $68.07 | $33.14 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $68.07 | $33.14 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $68.07 | $33.14 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $66.96 | $32.60 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $66.07 | $33.52 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $66.07 | $33.52 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $66.07 | $33.52 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $66.07 | $33.52 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $64.96 | $34.00 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $64.96 | $34.00 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $64.96 | $34.00 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $64.96 | $34.00 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $65.03 | $34.19 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $65.03 | $34.19 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $65.03 | $34.19 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $65.03 | $34.19 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $66.68 | $35.01 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $66.68 | $35.01 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $66.68 | $35.01 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $66.68 | $35.01 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $68.02 | $34.73 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $68.02 | $34.73 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $68.02 | $34.73 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $68.02 | $34.73 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $69.44 | $35.03 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $69.44 | $35.03 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $69.44 | $35.03 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $69.44 | $35.03 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $67.06 | $34.92 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $67.06 | $34.92 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $67.06 | $34.92 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $67.06 | $34.92 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13AR |
Where the Bakersfield, CA rate applies
Bakersfield, CA is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 88 cities and communities in California. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Bakersfield
- Alta Sierra
- Arvin
- Bakersfield Country Club
- Bear Valley Springs
- Benton Park
- Bodfish
- Boron
29700 billing questions
How is this different from 29705?
29700 is for a gauntlet or boot cast. Use 29705 for removal or bivalving of a full arm or leg cast.
When is bivalving reported instead of removal?
Report bivalving when the cast is split lengthwise but remains on the patient; report removal when the cast is taken off. Document which service was performed and why.
Can the service be reported with a replacement cast?
The code covers removal or bivalving, not application of a new cast. Document each service performed and apply the multiple procedure reduction when multiple procedures occur in the same session.
Should modifier 50 be appended for casts on both sides?
No. CMS identifies bilateral adjustment as inappropriate for this code.
Is an assistant surgeon payable for this service?
No. CMS lists a statutory restriction on assistant-at-surgery payment for this code; co-surgeons and team surgery are also not permitted.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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