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Podiatry Coding Alert

CPT 2011:
Kick-Start Your 2011 Podiatry Coding With 2 New Codes for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment
Give up Apligraf application codes 15430, 15431 in favor of new G codes. It's that time of... Read more
Fracture Care:
Manipulative Fracture Care Attracts Hundred-Dollar Profit Difference
You shouldn't miss the $391.22 payout for 27781 by miscoding it with 27780. When your podi... Read more
PECOS:
CMS Says It May Not Deny PECOS Claims Starting in January
Two contradicting statements exist. Find out which one to believe. You may -- or may ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Face a Blank Wall When Coding AFO
Question: I was wondering if there is a CPT to refurbish an ankle-foot orthosis. My docto... Read more
Reader Questions:
28296 and 64450 Are Inseparable
Question: I billed 28296 for a bunion correction with metatarsal osteotomy, and 64450 for... Read more
Reader Questions:
E/M Code Does the Trick for Pre-Op Visit/Exam
Question: I'd like to know what is entailed in a pre op visit. We have a provider who doe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Report Allograft Separate from 27535, 20692
Question: Our podiatrist performed a number of procedures during the same operative sessi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifier 25 Fulfills Job for E/M Encounters
Question: A podiatrist sees a 57-year-old female who's returning to the office under a 10... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifier 55 Requires Proper Physician Coordination
Question: My podiatrist saw a patient from a winter vacation in Colorado where she has re... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Newly Revised Debridement Code 11043 'In Action'
Question: A patient reports to the podiatrist with decubitus ulcer that extends deep down... Read more
Surgical coding:
28299: Don't Tip Toe Around These 3 Hallux Valgus Correction Coding Tips
Key terms such as "metatarsal osteotomy" and "distal Aiken" can make all the difference.Po... Read more
Wound Care:
29580 Is Exclusive To Medically Necessary Unna Boot Application
Discover why E/M and strapping can't go together as separate codesDid you know that the Co... Read more
Incident To:
Incident To: Cull Out Deserving Dollars Following These Guidelines
Physician's authorization of NPP's services is a rule you can't miss.CMS recognizes nonphy... Read more
Correction:
Bust 2 Myths to Solve Your Os Trigonum Diagnostic Workup Claims
The September 2010 Podiatry Coding Alert article on os trigonum diagnostics (p. 65) contai... Read more
Reader Questions:
29799 Targets Your Casting Coding Challenge
Question: I heard I can use an unlisted casting code in conjunction with codes from the L3... Read more
Reader Questions:
11762, 11730 Partners for Nail Bed Reconstruction
Question: A podiatrist reconstructs the nail bed on a patient's left toe, and performs avu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verrucae Treatments Explained
Question: What are the different treatments for verrucae? Answer: Your choices range ... Read more
Reader Questions:
11100-11101 and 11305-11308: How to Pick Out Biopsy Codes for Skin Lesions
Question: When does a physician need to obtain a biopsy for skin lesions? What would be th... Read more
Reader Questions:
11719-11721 Lets You Supervise Nail Treatments Smoothly
Question: How do you handle coding for common nail conditions?Answer: First, you should kn... Read more
Reader Questions:
29450 Seals the Weekly Casting Deal
Question: Which modifier should we report when we recast a patient each week to treat his ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Bunion Isn't The Same As Hallux Valgus
Question: I have difficulty differentiating diagnosis of bunions from hallux valgus. Any t... Read more
Case Study:
11420: 3-Step Guideline to Mark Your Lesion Excision Report
Lesion and margin measurements dictate your reimbursement -- find out why.Sometimes the re... Read more
Fracture Care Coding:
29550 Gives More on Reimbursements Than 28490
Upgrade your fracture care coding using 4 wise tips.How can you tell if a claim merits a f... Read more
Modifier:
Modifier 25 Proves Handy in These 2 Scenarios
HEM and OBTW are important acronyms you should remember. What do they mean?If you're dread... Read more
Reader Questions:
Here Comes the Latest CCI Edits
Question: A coder in my practice is asking me a lot of questions about CCI Edits 16.3. Wha... Read more
Reader Questions:
76942: Remember Guidance When Coding Nerve Block or
Question: A patient who presented with Morton's neuroma underwent a destruction of plantar... Read more
Reader Questions:
17110 Doesn't Limit Location for Bilateral Verrucae
Question: My podiatrist diagnosed a patient with bilaterial verrucae. She treated two site... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifier 59 Should Be Handled with Care
Question: What is the purpose of modifier 59?Ohio SubscriberAnswer: Depending on certain c... Read more
Reader Questions:
825.25 Is the Only Jones Fracture ICD-9 Code
Question:  A podiatrist in my practice listed Jones fracture as the patient's diagnos... Read more
Reader Questions:
28296 Covers Tricorrectional Bunionectomy
Question: I reported 28299 for a "tricorrectional" bunionectomy, but the claim... Read more
Reader Questions:
28485 x 3 Units for Multiple Fracture Repair
Question: An athlete patient presented to the office with Listfranc joint injuries. The po... Read more
You Be the Coder:
250.00 May Just Be One of the ICD-9 Charcot Foot Choices
Question: A patient with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) presents with Charcot ... Read more
Mythbuster:
Bust 2 Myths to Solve Your Os Trigonum Diagnostic Workup Claims
Find out why examining various CPT and ICD-9 code options works to your advantage.If you c... Read more
Modifier Guidelines:
Master Your Podiatry Modifier 59 Use with 4 Guidelines
Not adhering to the correct criteria could get you 'red flagged.'A modifier in the right p... Read more
News Update:
Dodge Claims Rejection by Becoming PECOS-Certified
Medicare postpones July 6 implementation and works to streamline enrollment process.You do... Read more
Reader Questions:
Note Dates When Reporting Discharge Codes
Question: A podiatrist saw an inpatient, and performed discharge services. However, the ho... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Your Orthotic Coding Right
Question: Another coder in my practice wants to bill L3000-LT-RT for casting of orthotics,... Read more
Reader Questions:
End Worries Over Pre Op Visits
Question: Can you explain what is entailed in a pre op visit? We have a podiatrist who per... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep Coding for Abscess Treatment Short and Simple
Question: A patient had surgery for cellulitis/abscess on the left foot. I reported the I&... Read more
Reader Questions:
ABN Explained: Clear Your Head and Regain Focus
Question: I'm a bit confused about the purpose of Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN). When s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include Q Modifiers as Needed
Question: I'm reporting G0127 and CPT 11055 on the same claim. Should I use any modifiers?... Read more
Reader Questions:
Track Down Proper Debridement Coding Techniques
Question: I am coding for debridement of mycotic nails using CPT 11720 or CPT 11721 . Why... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Work Out Debridement Woes by Focusing on Tissue Structures
Question: I billed a claim using the codes 11040 and 11042-59-RT. The insurance paid for 1... Read more
Mythbuster:
Expose the Truth About Shaving of Lesion Codes
Measuring the lesion's margin gives you no advantage.Rules that apply for lesion excision ... Read more
Add-on Codes:
Ask These Questions to Optimize Prolonged Services Reimbursement Chances
Prone to using consult codes? Big mistake, says experts.Don't think prolonged services hav... Read more
Diagnosis Codes:
Rectify Old School Thinking with 3 ICD-9 Insights
Warning: Incorrect diagnosis codes and modifiers could be leading you astray. If you&#... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose HCPCS Codes to Report Graft Jacket Use
Question: I need help with coding debridement of full thickness nonhealing foot ulcer with... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider DSHS Paperwork As E/M
Question: A patient presented in the office some paperwork for the podiatrist to fill out ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make It Simple with 11750
Question: We have a patient who has had both first nails removed and phenolized twice... Read more
Reader Questions:
Differentiate Tenotomy Codes Through Tendons Repaired
Question: What is the difference between 28010 and 28011? Washington SubscriberAnswer: CPT... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tally Specs for Correct Diabetic Footware Coding
Question: Are A5500 and A5513 the right codes to bill for shoes for diabetic Medicare pati... Read more
Reader Questions:
Put a Rest to Routine Foot Care Coding Woes
Question: I'm aware of Medicare policies covering routine foot care for diabetic patients ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Separate Bunionectomy and Arthroplasty Codes
Question: A podiatrist performed Austin bunionectomy on a patient's first toe. He performe... Read more
Guidelines:
3 Steps Perfect Your Partial Sesamoidectomy Claim
Hint: Use of modifier 52 is out of the question.Does partial sesamoidectomy coding have yo... Read more
Mythbuster:
Sort Out These Suture Removal Facts Against 3 Misconceptions
Formula: Removal with anesthesia = 15850 or 15851The bad news: suture removal is usually b... Read more
FAQs:
Put A Stop To Modifier 25 Misuse and Abuse
Find out why the phrase "by the way" offers an effective insight.Many podiatry practices t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Mention Number of Units in Toe Repair Coding
Question: A 60-year old patient presented to emergency with a history of a heavy tile fall... Read more
Reader Questions:
Set Hallux Rigidus Apart From Arthritis
Question: The podiatrist performed cheilectomy on the left toe for hallux rigidus. Any sug... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look For the Right Q
Question: I am billing 11721 with the primary diagnosis 110.1 (Dermatophytosis of nail), a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Unlisted Codes Fare Best For Hallux Limitus
Question: My podiatrist performed a joint replacement for hallux limitus on a patient who ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pick From 2 Choices When Treating Plantar Nerve Lesions
Question: A patient, who experiences pain, numbness, and a burning feeling in her in her f... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Able To Tell When To Report 29550 and 20550 Separately
Question: A podiatrist performs a strapping procedure on the big digit of the patient's ri... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Stick It Out With Primary Diagnosis Code
Question: I heard that when billing CPT 11721, diagnosis code 110.1 needs to be the primar... Read more
CPT:
4 Treatment Scenarios Help You Master Lisfranc Joint Coding
Neglecting to report multiple fractures could cost you $500 per metatarsal.Lisfranc joint ... Read more
Modifiers:
Erase Doubt from Surgical Modifier Line Up
Never append modifiers 55 and 56 to E/M codes.With four surgical modifiers to choose from,... Read more
Avoid Auditor Heat on Pre-Op H&Ps
Billing a pre-op H&P for established patients is not an option.Not everyone agrees on ... Read more
Reimbursement:
Don't Leave 15 Percent on the Table by Neglecting Incident-to Billing
Proper use of physician's NPI could get you paid in full.With the current economic climate... Read more
Reader Questions:
Severity Guides Tendon Tear Coding
Question: Our podiatrist completed a reconstruction of a posterior tendon tear. What proce... Read more
Reader Questions:
Accepting a PFFS Plan is Your Choice
Question: Our practice is considering accepting patients with PFFS plans. We've heard that... Read more
Reader Questions:
Recasting During Global Period Is Possible
Question: A patient presented with a fractured ankle, which our podiatrist treated. We rep... Read more
Reader Questions:
Recognize a Write-Off in 6 Steps
Question: My podiatrist never wants to write off any patient bills, but I am afraid he's e... Read more
Reader Questions:
Master Medial Malleolus Fracture Coding
Question: My podiatrist wrote an op note that described treating a medial malleolar fractu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Count Toes, Tendons before Coding
Question: Do I report multiple units of 28011 if the podiatrist is straightening more than... Read more
Treatment:
Build a Firm Foundation for Plantar Fasciitis Coding
Thorough documentation of early treatment might help justify 28890.With heel pain affectin... Read more
Wound Care:
Refer to This Handy Chart to Make Graft Coding a Cinch
Careful: Skip over codes for legs and zero in on foot codes.With the many graft options&nb... Read more
Medicare Forms:
Beware of Small Transcription Errors That Spell Denial on New 5010
Omitting "Jr." or "III" could trigger payment delays.You'll want to start double- and trip... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifiers 57/58 Describe Two Fracture Surgeries
Question: A patient presented to the emergency room and the podiatrist performed a closed ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Generic Code Best for Budin Toe Splint
Question: What supply code should we report for a Budin toe splint (toe straightener)?Miss... Read more
Reader Questions:
Recognize a Write-Off in 6 Steps
Question: My podiatrist never wants to write off any patient bills, but I am afraid he's e... Read more
Reader Questions:
Collect Surgical Deductibles Up Front
Question: We often have patients who don't pay their deductible after surgery. Is there a ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pair G0247 with Initial or Follow Up Exam Code
Question: My co-worker tells me that you can never report G0247 by itself, is this true?Ma... Read more
Don't Leave Money on the Table by Under-Coding Ligament Repair
If you overlook a secondary repair, you're missing out on $155.89. If you see your share ... Read more
CCI Edit Creates New Opportunities to Unbundle Plantar Injection and Strapping
Use modifier indicator reversal to capture 64455 payment. You'll jump for joy at the one ... Read more
Case Study:
Check Your 28104 vs. 28171 for Heterotrophic Bone Resection Coding Skills
Avoid poor excision documentation leading to $355.79 loss. Don't let a lack of solid docu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Turn to Initial Hospital Care Codes for Consults
Question: The podiatrist recently consulted on a new Medicare patient. Medicare no longer... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look Into Options for Handling Late or No Show Patients
Question: We have a few patients who routinely miss appointments or show up late. We'd li... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report 99050, 99051 for After-Hours Care
Question: Can we receive extra reimbursement for seeing a patient outside of normal offic... Read more
Reader Questions:
Full Thickness Determines Excision Type
Question: Our podiatrist has treated a patient for a plantar wart with debridement and fr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look Beyond 250.00 for 'Charcot Foot'
Question: The podiatrist saw an elderly patient with "Charcot foot" that requires treatme... Read more
Capture Diabetic Shoe Supplies With A and 250 Code Selection Musts
Hint: Report two units for each pair of shoes. A podiatrist's pride is helping patients t... Read more
4 Easy Steps Simplify Your Cast Coding
Nail down L category by zooming in on custom- or pre-molded. If you don't keep orthotic t... Read more
Improve Your A/R Turnaround with a 4-Prong Approach
Follow up on claim acceptance to beat the denial waiting game. A tight economy coupled wi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
LOPS Required for Bi-Annual Exam
Question: How often can we bill Medicare for an evaluation of the feet? Is the exam only ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Bill One Physician Incident-To Another
Question: Is there any circumstance in which a group can bill all services and all provid... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Learn the Fee Schedule Column Differences
Question: I hear all the time that I should be looking at the Medicare Physician fee sche... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Coding for Supplies Depends On POS
Question: Can I use 99070 to report the use of supplies at our office? -- Colorado S... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Do Training Codes Pay?
Question: I am not sure whether to bill 97760 and 97762. Do you find that some payers wil... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Document Fluoroscopic Guidance
Question: My podiatrist performed a plantar nerve destruction to treat pain from Morton's... Read more
4 Steps Take The Guesswork Out Of Routine Care Reimbursement
If the patient hasn't seen the PCP in the last 6 months, suggest an appointment straight ... Read more
Boil Down Topaz Coding Conundrums With 2 Q&As
Hint: If you try to use an unlisted code, be sure your OP notes include this! If you don'... Read more
Don't Lose Payments:
Check Referring Providers' PECOS Status
The enrollment deadline is April 5 -- afterwards MACs may deny your claims. If your provi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Recognize New Compression Code in 2010
Question: The podiatrist is applying a multi-layer venous wound compression system. How d... Read more
Reader Questions:
Brush Up On Modifier 25 FAQs
Question: Typically, my claims that include modifier 25 are denied. How do I use this mod... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pre-Op vs. Post-Op Consult
Question: Our podiatrist handled the preoperative consultation for a surgical case and wa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count H&P in Global for Surgery
Question: I understand that I cannot bill for an H&P if there is a global because it ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Weigh G0247 vs. 11720-21 For Mycotic Nails
Question: I understand that both G0247 and CPT 11720 -CPT 11721 apply to mycotic nail de... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Know When to Call on 64455 or 64632
Question: When would 64455 be appropriate when treating nerve pain and when would 64632 b... Read more
CCI 16.0 Update:
Skip Reporting Paired Excision and Debridement Codes, Thanks to CCI
Version 16.0 also bundles several podiatry procedures with wound compression. The latest ... Read more
Weigh the Pros and Cons Before Kissing Medicare Goodbye
Reduced patient pool, patient satisfaction could outweigh the easier payment process. Wit... Read more
CPT 2010 Update:
Incorporate a New Modifier to Overcome 99221-99223 Denials in the New Year
With non-payment for consultation codes, you will need to relearn some old coding rules. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Note Injury, Cause in Strapping Report
Question: One of our regular patients slipped and twisted his right ankle while jogging. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Apparatus is Key to Correct Stimulation Code
Question: One service we offer at our clinic is bone stimulator application to help heal ... Read more
Reader Question:
Match Excision Code to Tumor Size
Question: Our podiatrist recently excised a soft tissue mass from the foot of a patient s... Read more
Reader Question:
Ensure Payment for Hospice Charges With G Modifiers
Question: I bill for a podiatrist who has seen a hospice patient for a foot ailment. What... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Waste Time Billing $0 Charges
Question: I bill post-op visits with CPT code 99024 and charge $0. Sometimes it goes thro... Read more
Reader Question:
Consolidate Notes For Inpatient Visit
Question: A resident on call in the emergency room (ER) saw a patient with a broken ankle... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Biopsy vs. Debridement: A Cutting Question
Question: Our podiatrist cuts nails and sends them out to the laboratory for a potassium h... Read more
Available Years:  2010  2009