ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Slow Down When Considering Coding Strapping Twice
Question: If the provider performs strapping on a patient’s ankle and foot, can we report a code for each service? Minnesota Subscriber Answer: If it is on the same foot, then you cannot report each strap separately. In these instances, report 29540 (Strapping; ankle and/or foot) once with modifier LT (Left side) or RT (Right side) appended to indicate laterality. Exception: If the patient requires strapping for both ankles/feet, you might be able to report 29540 with modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) appended to show it was a bilateral procedure. Or you might report 29540 x 2. Or 29540 with modifier RT on one line, and 29540 with modifier LT on another line. Bottom line: For patients that require strapping for both ankles/ feet, check with your payer before submitting the claim.
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