Horizon BCBS NJ Hammertoe Correction prior authorization requirements (2026)

What Horizon BCBS NJ generally requires to approve Hammertoe Correction (CPT 28285, 28286), for Commercial plans. Yes. Horizon BCBS NJ generally requires prior authorization for Hammertoe Correction (CPT 28285, 28286).

General reference compiled from public sources, last verified 2026-07-10. This is not a coverage determination or medical advice. Always confirm current requirements with Horizon BCBS NJ before submitting.

Medical-necessity criteria Horizon BCBS NJ generally applies

Prior authorization / medical-necessity determination (PA/MND) required for orthopedic surgical procedures under Horizon's Surgical and Implantable Device Management Program, administered by TurningPoint Healthcare Solutions - participating AND nonparticipating physicians must obtain PA/MND for members in participating plans. Confirm this specific CPT code on Horizon's Prior Authorization Procedure Search Tool before scheduling (code lists are maintained by TurningPoint and change). [NEEDS CLINICAL SPOT-CHECK]

Diagnoses that commonly support medical necessity

ICD-10-CM diagnoses frequently associated with medical necessity for Hammertoe Correction. Confirm the covered diagnosis list against the current Horizon BCBS NJ policy.

M20.40Other hammer toe(s) (acquired), unspecified footM20.41Other hammer toe(s) (acquired), right footM20.42Other hammer toe(s) (acquired), left foot

Commonly required documentation

  • Clinical notes supporting medical necessity per TurningPoint's published medical-policy criteria for the procedure (conservative care history, imaging, functional impact).

How to submit

  • Method: Request PA/MND through the TurningPoint provider portal; status confirmation by phone 1-833-436-4083 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm ET).
  • Portal: TurningPoint

Sources & verification

Source: Horizon BCBS NJ Surgical and Implantable Device Management Program pages (horizonblue.com, verified 2026-07-10) - TurningPoint conducts PA/MND for orthopedic services. Podiatric-procedure inclusion should be confirmed against the current TurningPoint code list / Horizon PA search tool. Last verified 2026-07-10.

Frequently asked questions

Does Horizon BCBS NJ require prior authorization for Hammertoe Correction?

Yes. Horizon BCBS NJ generally requires prior authorization for Hammertoe Correction (CPT 28285, 28286).

What does Horizon BCBS NJ require to approve Hammertoe Correction?

Prior authorization / medical-necessity determination (PA/MND) required for orthopedic surgical procedures under Horizon's Surgical and Implantable Device Management Program, administered by TurningPoint Healthcare Solutions - participating AND nonparticipating physicians must obtain PA/MND for members in participating plans. Confirm this specific CPT code on Horizon's Prior Authorization Procedur… Always confirm against the current Horizon BCBS NJ policy.

How long does a Horizon BCBS NJ prior authorization take?

Turnaround varies by plan and submission method. Check the Horizon BCBS NJ portal for current timeframes.

Submitting Hammertoe Correction to Horizon BCBS NJ?

Praxigen checks your clinical note against these criteria before you submit and drafts a policy-cited appeal if it is denied. You review and submit; nothing is sent automatically.

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Other Horizon BCBS NJ prior authorization requirements

ACL ReconstructionAnterior Cervical Discectomy and FusionArthroscopic Hip Surgery for Impingement Syndrome Including Labral RepairArtificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine)Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Lumbar Spine)Autologous Chondrocyte ImplantationBunionectomy (Hallux Valgus Correction)Carpal Tunnel SurgeryCervical, Lumbar and Thoracic Laminectomy and/or Laminotomy ProceduresCT Cervical Spine without contrastCT Lumbar Spine without contrastDorsal Column (Lumbar) Neurostimulators: Trial or Implantation

Related guides

Why was my prior authorization denied? Top reasons and how to fix eachHow to write a prior authorization appeal that cites policy