Podiatry Coding Alert
Hallus Valgus:
28298 for Austin-Aiken Procedure? Not So Fast
Wait until you've seen the whole op note before assigning osteotomy code. Getting a lot of... Read more
28298 for Austin-Aiken Procedure? Not So Fast
Wait until you've seen the whole op note before assigning osteotomy code. Getting a lot of... Read more
Part B Pay:
CMS Slashes 2012 Conversion Factor by Over 27 Percent Vs. Current Rates
Plus: Pay for podiatry may increase a little, while other specialties will drop even more.... Read more
CMS Slashes 2012 Conversion Factor by Over 27 Percent Vs. Current Rates
Plus: Pay for podiatry may increase a little, while other specialties will drop even more.... Read more
Modifier Mythbuster:
Learn the Truth Behind 3 More Common Modifier 24 Myths
Hint: Know your payer's policies on billing complication treatment.To ensure payment for E... Read more
Learn the Truth Behind 3 More Common Modifier 24 Myths
Hint: Know your payer's policies on billing complication treatment.To ensure payment for E... Read more
Collections Q&A:
Create a Solid Financial Policy That Tells Your Patients Exactly What You Expect
Get answers to your top financial policy questions from a billing expert.Having a financia... Read more
Create a Solid Financial Policy That Tells Your Patients Exactly What You Expect
Get answers to your top financial policy questions from a billing expert.Having a financia... Read more
Reader Question:
27698 Is Best for 'Brostrom' Procedures
Question: My podiatrist gave me an op note for a "Brostrom procedure," and I have no ... Read more
27698 Is Best for 'Brostrom' Procedures
Question: My podiatrist gave me an op note for a "Brostrom procedure," and I have no ... Read more
Reader Question:
Base E/M on Time for Counseling/Coordination Only
Question: If the physician documents: "Time spent in the evaluation of the patient with mo... Read more
Base E/M on Time for Counseling/Coordination Only
Question: If the physician documents: "Time spent in the evaluation of the patient with mo... Read more
Reader Question:
Collect Surgical Deductibles Up Front
Question: We often have patients who don't pay their deductible after surgery. Is there a ... Read more
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:
Diabetes Patient, Post-Amputation
Question: A patient visited our clinic for a checkup for some ulcers on her right ankle. S... Read more
Diabetes Patient, Post-Amputation
Question: A patient visited our clinic for a checkup for some ulcers on her right ankle. S... Read more
CCI Update:
28190-28193 Includes Wound Exploration
Your documentation must support the clinical reasons for breaking Correct Coding Initiativ... Read more
28190-28193 Includes Wound Exploration
Your documentation must support the clinical reasons for breaking Correct Coding Initiativ... Read more
Modifier Mythbuster:
Clean Up Your Modifier 24 Claims By Learning the Truth About 5 Common Myths
Focus on the podiatrist's documentation, not the appointment book.If you want to ensure yo... Read more
Clean Up Your Modifier 24 Claims By Learning the Truth About 5 Common Myths
Focus on the podiatrist's documentation, not the appointment book.If you want to ensure yo... Read more
Reimbursement Roundup:
Uncover Must-Know Appeals Changes Established By New Federal Law
Now's the time to find out how ERISA and PPACA impact your practice -- or you'll face... Read more
Uncover Must-Know Appeals Changes Established By New Federal Law
Now's the time to find out how ERISA and PPACA impact your practice -- or you'll face... Read more
Revenue Booster:
Keep Money Flowing With These 6 Income Opportunities
Take the time to ensure that you aren't bleeding revenue in these areas.Just because Medic... Read more
Keep Money Flowing With These 6 Income Opportunities
Take the time to ensure that you aren't bleeding revenue in these areas.Just because Medic... Read more
Reader Question:
List As Many PQRS Codes As Needed
Question: Can we report more than one PQRS code measure on the same claim?Virginia Su... Read more
List As Many PQRS Codes As Needed
Question: Can we report more than one PQRS code measure on the same claim?Virginia Su... Read more
Reader Question:
99360 Is One to Skip for Medicare Billing
Question: Our podiatrists sometimes "standby" for other surgeons in some high-risk procedu... Read more
99360 Is One to Skip for Medicare Billing
Question: Our podiatrists sometimes "standby" for other surgeons in some high-risk procedu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Go In-Depth With Rigid Mallet Toe Treatment
Question: A patient came into the office with a "rigid mallet toe." How will my podiatrist... Read more
Go In-Depth With Rigid Mallet Toe Treatment
Question: A patient came into the office with a "rigid mallet toe." How will my podiatrist... Read more
Ankles:
27786-27814: Take the Guesswork Out of Coding 5 Types of Ankle Fracture Repair Codes
Save your practice $100 with knowledge of anatomic specifics. Mistaking bimalleolar and tr... Read more
27786-27814: Take the Guesswork Out of Coding 5 Types of Ankle Fracture Repair Codes
Save your practice $100 with knowledge of anatomic specifics. Mistaking bimalleolar and tr... Read more
ICD-10 Readiness:
Start Small When Prepping for ICD-10 Conversion, CMS Says
Acquaint yourself with the top 30 diagnoses that your practice sees and you'll get a head ... Read more
Start Small When Prepping for ICD-10 Conversion, CMS Says
Acquaint yourself with the top 30 diagnoses that your practice sees and you'll get a head ... Read more
Version 5010:
Make Sure Your Electronic Transactions Don't Bomb on Jan. 1
Compliance, payment, and ICD-10 hang in the balance.Say goodbye to forms 4010/4010A1 for e... Read more
Make Sure Your Electronic Transactions Don't Bomb on Jan. 1
Compliance, payment, and ICD-10 hang in the balance.Say goodbye to forms 4010/4010A1 for e... Read more
Evaluation and Management:
Solidify Your Physical Examination Level Know-How With 4 FAQs
Beware the 1995 vs. 1997 guidelines pitfall by choosing just one at a time.When selecting ... Read more
Solidify Your Physical Examination Level Know-How With 4 FAQs
Beware the 1995 vs. 1997 guidelines pitfall by choosing just one at a time.When selecting ... Read more
Reader Question:
99214: Give Credit For Time Spent With Patient
Question: Our physician spends a lot of time discussing treatment options, imaging r... Read more
99214: Give Credit For Time Spent With Patient
Question: Our physician spends a lot of time discussing treatment options, imaging r... Read more
Reader Question:
Can Provider Change Tax ID?
Question: One of our physicians wants to stop billing under the group's tax ID and s... Read more
Can Provider Change Tax ID?
Question: One of our physicians wants to stop billing under the group's tax ID and s... Read more
Reader Question:
Condition Doesn't Change Patient Status
Question: Our office saw a patient six months ago for a certain condition, and sent ... Read more
Condition Doesn't Change Patient Status
Question: Our office saw a patient six months ago for a certain condition, and sent ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Biopsy of Nail Unit
Question: How should I code for the biopsy of nail bed and a 0.4- cm lesion on the l... Read more
Biopsy of Nail Unit
Question: How should I code for the biopsy of nail bed and a 0.4- cm lesion on the l... Read more
Surgical Repair:
13131: Layers Plus Complexity Could Be Key to Earning $260
Dig deeper to find the key to 'simple,' 'intermediate,' and 'complex' closures. Getting t... Read more
13131: Layers Plus Complexity Could Be Key to Earning $260
Dig deeper to find the key to 'simple,' 'intermediate,' and 'complex' closures. Getting t... Read more
E/M:
Avoid Getting Caught in These 3 Common E/M Traps
Incident to, critical care must meet certain criteria. As a podiatry coder, you're accust... Read more
Avoid Getting Caught in These 3 Common E/M Traps
Incident to, critical care must meet certain criteria. As a podiatry coder, you're accust... Read more
Billing:
Don't Overlook Waiver Opportunities -- 3 Steps Ensure Compliance and Patient Payment
Hint: Documented financial hardship is your key. You've heard the mantra over and over&nbs... Read more
Don't Overlook Waiver Opportunities -- 3 Steps Ensure Compliance and Patient Payment
Hint: Documented financial hardship is your key. You've heard the mantra over and over&nbs... Read more
ABN:
You Must Use New Form by Nov. 1, CMS Says
Don't expect major changes, but you are required to switch. You should be used to the com... Read more
You Must Use New Form by Nov. 1, CMS Says
Don't expect major changes, but you are required to switch. You should be used to the com... Read more
Reader Question:
28296 or 28306 for Crescentic Osteotomy
Question: How should I code a crescent shelf osteotomy for a hallux valgus case? New York... Read more
28296 or 28306 for Crescentic Osteotomy
Question: How should I code a crescent shelf osteotomy for a hallux valgus case? New York... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Sweat Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis
Question: What is the appropriate diagnosis code for hyperhidrosis? Wisconsin Subscriber ... Read more
Don't Sweat Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis
Question: What is the appropriate diagnosis code for hyperhidrosis? Wisconsin Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Question:
90058 May Help You Collect Extra for Emergency Walk-Ins
Question: We recently hired a new podiatrist who is questioning whether we can bill any e... Read more
90058 May Help You Collect Extra for Emergency Walk-Ins
Question: We recently hired a new podiatrist who is questioning whether we can bill any e... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When to Bill Secondary Payer
Question: We have many patients with secondary insurance, some of which have deductibles ... Read more
Know When to Bill Secondary Payer
Question: We have many patients with secondary insurance, some of which have deductibles ... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Payer Advice in Writing Regarding Employee Copays
Question: My physicians are looking at giving employees a courtesy for their co-pays but ... Read more
Get Payer Advice in Writing Regarding Employee Copays
Question: My physicians are looking at giving employees a courtesy for their co-pays but ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Freiberg's Disease
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use for Freiberg's disease in both feet (second a... Read more
Freiberg's Disease
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use for Freiberg's disease in both feet (second a... Read more
CCI 17.2 Update:
10021-10022 Becomes Bundled Into 9 New Foot Procedures
Use a modifier to report FNA separately when appropriate.CCI version 17.2, which takes eff... Read more
10021-10022 Becomes Bundled Into 9 New Foot Procedures
Use a modifier to report FNA separately when appropriate.CCI version 17.2, which takes eff... Read more
Undercoding:
Answer the $56 Question -- Are You Downcoding Your E/M Visits?
You're not only losing revenue -- you're also coding improperly.National insurer data... Read more
Answer the $56 Question -- Are You Downcoding Your E/M Visits?
You're not only losing revenue -- you're also coding improperly.National insurer data... Read more
Version 5010 Update:
Watch Out for 5010 Glitch -- Don't Expect Your Vendor to Solve the Problem
Check on your address fields now -- before mistakes on your claim forms threaten to h... Read more
Watch Out for 5010 Glitch -- Don't Expect Your Vendor to Solve the Problem
Check on your address fields now -- before mistakes on your claim forms threaten to h... Read more
ABNs:
Tackle Non-Covered, Non-Medicare Services With ABN-Style Waiver
Skipping this step may lead to angry patients and lost reimbursement.You know that you nee... Read more
Tackle Non-Covered, Non-Medicare Services With ABN-Style Waiver
Skipping this step may lead to angry patients and lost reimbursement.You know that you nee... Read more
Correction:
Correction:
An article in Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert Volume 3, Number 6, "You Be the Coder: K... Read more
Correction:
An article in Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert Volume 3, Number 6, "You Be the Coder: K... Read more
Reader Question:
28485 Keeps This Reduction Claim From Getting Crushed
Question: I recently performed an open reduction on the first metatarsal head of a patient... Read more
28485 Keeps This Reduction Claim From Getting Crushed
Question: I recently performed an open reduction on the first metatarsal head of a patient... Read more
Reader Question:
Steer Clear of 'Seen and Agreed' Note or Face Denials
Question: Our physician works with residents each year. It's very time consuming, but he d... Read more
Steer Clear of 'Seen and Agreed' Note or Face Denials
Question: Our physician works with residents each year. It's very time consuming, but he d... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Avoid 25 Because of the Same Diagnosis
Question: I recently heard that you do not need different diagnosis codes to use modifier ... Read more
Don't Avoid 25 Because of the Same Diagnosis
Question: I recently heard that you do not need different diagnosis codes to use modifier ... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When to Bill Secondary Payer
Question: We have many patients with secondary insurance, some of which have deductibles o... Read more
Know When to Bill Secondary Payer
Question: We have many patients with secondary insurance, some of which have deductibles o... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Toenail Excisions and Cauterizations
Question: A patient presents for a follow-up of an ingrown toenail. The physician finds th... Read more
Toenail Excisions and Cauterizations
Question: A patient presents for a follow-up of an ingrown toenail. The physician finds th... Read more
Casting & Strapping:
28400-28675 Reimbursement: Reinforce Reimbursements With Casting And Strapping Answers
Hint: Not everything is included under fracture care.If you want to maximize your reimburs... Read more
28400-28675 Reimbursement: Reinforce Reimbursements With Casting And Strapping Answers
Hint: Not everything is included under fracture care.If you want to maximize your reimburs... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Follow 5 Steps for Audit-Proof Medical Necessity
Keep current and accurate training and records.With a solid ICD-9 coding policy, your podi... Read more
Follow 5 Steps for Audit-Proof Medical Necessity
Keep current and accurate training and records.With a solid ICD-9 coding policy, your podi... Read more
Version 5010:
Get Your Practice Ready For the Upcoming Version 5010 Challenges
The 2012 implementation deadline won't change, so now's the time to start preparing.Over t... Read more
Get Your Practice Ready For the Upcoming Version 5010 Challenges
The 2012 implementation deadline won't change, so now's the time to start preparing.Over t... Read more
Patient Privacy:
Peeking at Patient's PHI? Soon, They May Know You Did It
HHS proposes giving patients access to a list of providers who accessed their records.If y... Read more
Peeking at Patient's PHI? Soon, They May Know You Did It
HHS proposes giving patients access to a list of providers who accessed their records.If y... Read more
Correction:
Correction:
An article in Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert Volume 3, Number 4, "Diagnosis Coding: 7... Read more
Correction:
An article in Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert Volume 3, Number 4, "Diagnosis Coding: 7... Read more
Reader Question:
Stay on Your Toes With Amputation ICD-9s
Question: A patient visited our clinic for a checkup for some ulcers on her right ankle. S... Read more
Stay on Your Toes With Amputation ICD-9s
Question: A patient visited our clinic for a checkup for some ulcers on her right ankle. S... Read more
Reader Question:
Timely Filing Rules May Depend on State Law
Question: One of our commercial payers has a timely filing rule that says we have to file ... Read more
Timely Filing Rules May Depend on State Law
Question: One of our commercial payers has a timely filing rule that says we have to file ... Read more
Reader Question:
Perfect Your Payer Fee Schedule
Question: We're getting ready to begin contract renewal negotiations with one of our payer... Read more
Perfect Your Payer Fee Schedule
Question: We're getting ready to begin contract renewal negotiations with one of our payer... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Subungual Exostectomies
Question: I'm having trouble pinning down a CPT code for a subungual exostectomy. I can on... Read more
Subungual Exostectomies
Question: I'm having trouble pinning down a CPT code for a subungual exostectomy. I can on... Read more
Nerve Surgery:
64704 Denials? Follow 5 Tips to Fix Your Neuroplasty Claims
Hint: Make sure your primary diagnosis matches the procedure codes.If you're just plodding... Read more
64704 Denials? Follow 5 Tips to Fix Your Neuroplasty Claims
Hint: Make sure your primary diagnosis matches the procedure codes.If you're just plodding... Read more
E/M Coding:
Stop Forfeiting Level Four and Five E/Ms With 3 PMFSH Tips
Make your podiatrist's job easier by letting the patient or nurse document the history.If ... Read more
Stop Forfeiting Level Four and Five E/Ms With 3 PMFSH Tips
Make your podiatrist's job easier by letting the patient or nurse document the history.If ... Read more
Billing Corner:
Keep Your Practice Out of Hot Water By Knowing When You Can -- and Can't -- Write Off a Patient Balance
Don't try to skirt around the system or you'll end up on the audit radar.Being a compassio... Read more
Keep Your Practice Out of Hot Water By Knowing When You Can -- and Can't -- Write Off a Patient Balance
Don't try to skirt around the system or you'll end up on the audit radar.Being a compassio... Read more
Aspects of PFSH
Per CPT®, past medical, family and/or social history is divided into three subsectio... Read more
Per CPT®, past medical, family and/or social history is divided into three subsectio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bill the Correct Number of Gait Analysis Codes
Question: I've had trouble billing for motion analysis codes when our podiatrists perform ... Read more
Bill the Correct Number of Gait Analysis Codes
Question: I've had trouble billing for motion analysis codes when our podiatrists perform ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware Tacking on Additional Patient Charges
Question: Can you charge a processing fee or a "statement" fee to past due patients when w... Read more
Beware Tacking on Additional Patient Charges
Question: Can you charge a processing fee or a "statement" fee to past due patients when w... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider Other Sources When CCI Doesn't Provide Info
Question: Sometimes I cannot find my two-code pair in the CCI edits. How do I know which c... Read more
Consider Other Sources When CCI Doesn't Provide Info
Question: Sometimes I cannot find my two-code pair in the CCI edits. How do I know which c... Read more
You Be the Coder:
K-Wire Removal
Question: A podiatrist in our office just did a hammertoe correction using an interph... Read more
K-Wire Removal
Question: A podiatrist in our office just did a hammertoe correction using an interph... Read more
CCI 17.1:
28220-28222 Update: Reporting Tenolysis and Arthrotomy Separately? Read This First
The latest round of Correct Coding Initiative edits will also change the way you bill for ... Read more
28220-28222 Update: Reporting Tenolysis and Arthrotomy Separately? Read This First
The latest round of Correct Coding Initiative edits will also change the way you bill for ... Read more
Modifiers:
Toe the Line With Modifier 22 Usage, and Keep Your Podiatry Practice's Feet Out of the Fire
If excessive fat is making it hard to get to the foot's structures, you may have a case fo... Read more
Toe the Line With Modifier 22 Usage, and Keep Your Podiatry Practice's Feet Out of the Fire
If excessive fat is making it hard to get to the foot's structures, you may have a case fo... Read more
Billing Corner:
Follow 4 Tips to Improve Your A/R Process and Boost Your Collections
Avoid the 'code it, bill it, and forget it' mentality -- don't be afraid to follow up on y... Read more
Follow 4 Tips to Improve Your A/R Process and Boost Your Collections
Avoid the 'code it, bill it, and forget it' mentality -- don't be afraid to follow up on y... Read more
Face-to-Face Rule:
New CMS Clarification May Help With Your Documentation When Certifying A Patient's Home Health Eligibility
The podiatrist's staff can prepare the face-to-face documentation, CMS says in new Q&A... Read more
New CMS Clarification May Help With Your Documentation When Certifying A Patient's Home Health Eligibility
The podiatrist's staff can prepare the face-to-face documentation, CMS says in new Q&A... Read more
Reader Questions:
Traumatic Amputation Equals 11044
Question:A patient presented in the emergency department with partial traumatic amputation... Read more
Traumatic Amputation Equals 11044
Question:A patient presented in the emergency department with partial traumatic amputation... Read more
Reader Questions:
Describe Follow-Up Visits Accurately With V Codes
Question:If a patient receives treatment and the condition was resolved, which ICD-9 code ... Read more
Describe Follow-Up Visits Accurately With V Codes
Question:If a patient receives treatment and the condition was resolved, which ICD-9 code ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Skip No-Show Fees for Referrals
Question:Can a physician who refers a patient to another physician (specialist) charge his... Read more
Skip No-Show Fees for Referrals
Question:Can a physician who refers a patient to another physician (specialist) charge his... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Multiple Osteotomies
Question:A podiatrist performed two osteotomies on the patient's right foot -- one on the ... Read more
Multiple Osteotomies
Question:A podiatrist performed two osteotomies on the patient's right foot -- one on the ... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
735.0 or 727.1? Tackle This Condition Terminology for Foot Claims Success
Have these modifiers handy to distinguish areas of the feet and toes.Don't let anatomic te... Read more
735.0 or 727.1? Tackle This Condition Terminology for Foot Claims Success
Have these modifiers handy to distinguish areas of the feet and toes.Don't let anatomic te... Read more
Denials Management:
Bust 4 Common Myths to Overcome MUE Denial Challenges
Ignore medically unlikely edits at your peril for claim rejection.Medicare denials could m... Read more
Bust 4 Common Myths to Overcome MUE Denial Challenges
Ignore medically unlikely edits at your peril for claim rejection.Medicare denials could m... Read more
ASC Payments:
These 5 Tips Will Make Your ASC Coding A Snap
As CMS issues its quarterly ASC payment rates, the time to brush up is here.True or false:... Read more
These 5 Tips Will Make Your ASC Coding A Snap
As CMS issues its quarterly ASC payment rates, the time to brush up is here.True or false:... Read more
Correction:
Leave Modifier 50 Off Drug Supply Code
An article in Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert Vol. 3, No. A, "Modifiers 50, LT, RT: Ge... Read more
Leave Modifier 50 Off Drug Supply Code
An article in Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert Vol. 3, No. A, "Modifiers 50, LT, RT: Ge... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stick With Joint Codes for Sinus Tarsi Injection
Question: I recently received a denial for a cortisone injection to the sinus tarsi with C... Read more
Stick With Joint Codes for Sinus Tarsi Injection
Question: I recently received a denial for a cortisone injection to the sinus tarsi with C... Read more
Reader Questions:
Nail Down Boot Payment
Question: One of my diabetic Medicare patients is a carpenter who requires work boots for ... Read more
Nail Down Boot Payment
Question: One of my diabetic Medicare patients is a carpenter who requires work boots for ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submit All Claims to a Contracted Payer
Question: We have a patient who wants us to give her the allowable amounts for a procedure... Read more
Submit All Claims to a Contracted Payer
Question: We have a patient who wants us to give her the allowable amounts for a procedure... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dates and Physician Presence Dictate 99221 Alone or With Office Visit
Question: Our physician saw a patient in the office, then admitted her to the hospital lat... Read more
Dates and Physician Presence Dictate 99221 Alone or With Office Visit
Question: Our physician saw a patient in the office, then admitted her to the hospital lat... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Aspiration of Anomalous Ankle Cyst
Question: A patient was diagnosed with a ganglion cyst on the inside of his right ankle bo... Read more
Aspiration of Anomalous Ankle Cyst
Question: A patient was diagnosed with a ganglion cyst on the inside of his right ankle bo... Read more
Hammertoes:
28285 FAQs: Trounce Your Tenotomy and K-Wire Confusion
Hint: Don't assume all tenotomies are automatically included in hammertoe corrections.Hamm... Read more
28285 FAQs: Trounce Your Tenotomy and K-Wire Confusion
Hint: Don't assume all tenotomies are automatically included in hammertoe corrections.Hamm... Read more
ICD-10 Crosswalk
Once ICD-10 is implemented, the diagnosis codes in the above story will be different. Chec... Read more
Once ICD-10 is implemented, the diagnosis codes in the above story will be different. Chec... Read more
Part B Mythbuster:
These 7 Deadly Myths Could Damage Your Podiatry Practice
Test yourself against these coding and compliance pitfallsDoes your staff subscribe to any... Read more
These 7 Deadly Myths Could Damage Your Podiatry Practice
Test yourself against these coding and compliance pitfallsDoes your staff subscribe to any... Read more
Modifiers:
Modifier GZ Denials Will Arrive Faster, Thanks to New CMS Transmittal
No more 'complex medical review' for these non-covered services.Most of the time, when Med... Read more
Modifier GZ Denials Will Arrive Faster, Thanks to New CMS Transmittal
No more 'complex medical review' for these non-covered services.Most of the time, when Med... Read more
Evaluation and Management:
Stop Letting ROS Conundrums Thwart Your Level 4 and 5 E/M Coding
Ensure you have documentation of each system -- or prepare to assign a lower code.Lev... Read more
Stop Letting ROS Conundrums Thwart Your Level 4 and 5 E/M Coding
Ensure you have documentation of each system -- or prepare to assign a lower code.Lev... Read more
Reader Questions:
Explore CCI, Fee Schedule for Modifier Details
Question: We sometimes get denials that appear to be related to bundling issues but I can'... Read more
Explore CCI, Fee Schedule for Modifier Details
Question: We sometimes get denials that appear to be related to bundling issues but I can'... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Mix Family History With Personal History
Question: My understanding has been that I cannot bill for "family history of" a condition... Read more
Don't Mix Family History With Personal History
Question: My understanding has been that I cannot bill for "family history of" a condition... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose 25 or 57 With These Guidelines
Question: I'm confused about the distinction between modifiers 25 and 57. Could you please... Read more
Choose 25 or 57 With These Guidelines
Question: I'm confused about the distinction between modifiers 25 and 57. Could you please... Read more
You Be the Coder:
ESWT and Ultrasound
Question: The podiatrist performed an ultrasound to diagnose plantar fascia on a Medicare ... Read more
ESWT and Ultrasound
Question: The podiatrist performed an ultrasound to diagnose plantar fascia on a Medicare ... Read more
CCI Edits:
CCI 17.0: Don't Overlook Deletions, Switched Pairs in 2011
Edits affecting podiatry generally involve debridement and ultrasound.When you're reviewin... Read more
CCI 17.0: Don't Overlook Deletions, Switched Pairs in 2011
Edits affecting podiatry generally involve debridement and ultrasound.When you're reviewin... Read more
ICD-10:
ICD-10: Get Ready to Choose Between 2 Achilles Tendon Tear Codes in 2013
New sprain codes are both described as "unspecified." Find out what clues to look for.You ... Read more
ICD-10: Get Ready to Choose Between 2 Achilles Tendon Tear Codes in 2013
New sprain codes are both described as "unspecified." Find out what clues to look for.You ... Read more
Application of Casts and Strapping:
29000-29799: Adjust Your Splint/Strap Coding Depending on Purpose
Which procedure binds together? Which one functions as support?When you come face to face ... Read more
29000-29799: Adjust Your Splint/Strap Coding Depending on Purpose
Which procedure binds together? Which one functions as support?When you come face to face ... Read more
Modifier:
Modifiers 50, LT, RT: Get Your Bilateral Service Coding On The Right Track
For clues, look to the numerical indicator in Column T of the fee schedule.Deciding when t... Read more
Modifiers 50, LT, RT: Get Your Bilateral Service Coding On The Right Track
For clues, look to the numerical indicator in Column T of the fee schedule.Deciding when t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use 99354, 99355 for Extra Time Low-Level E/M
Question: My podiatrist spent about 70 minutes on an evaluation with a patient. What E/M c... Read more
Use 99354, 99355 for Extra Time Low-Level E/M
Question: My podiatrist spent about 70 minutes on an evaluation with a patient. What E/M c... Read more
Reader Questions; Target 728.71 When Coding for Plantar Fasciitis Heel Pain
Question: What is plantar fasciitis heel pain and what ICD-9 code should I use to report i... Read more
Question: What is plantar fasciitis heel pain and what ICD-9 code should I use to report i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Let Payer Deny Your G0247 Claim
Question: My podiatrist sees a new patient suffering from peripheral neuropathy with LOPS.... Read more
Don't Let Payer Deny Your G0247 Claim
Question: My podiatrist sees a new patient suffering from peripheral neuropathy with LOPS.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Meet 2 out of 3 Components for 99212
Question: An established patient presented to the office with ankle tendonitis. The podiat... Read more
Meet 2 out of 3 Components for 99212
Question: An established patient presented to the office with ankle tendonitis. The podiat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Match Fixation of Little Toe Phalanx With 28525
Question: I can't find the CPT for percutaneous pinning of the phalanx of the little toe. ... Read more
Match Fixation of Little Toe Phalanx With 28525
Question: I can't find the CPT for percutaneous pinning of the phalanx of the little toe. ... Read more
Reader Questions:
28200 Makes Coding for Ankle Tendon Repair Easy
Question: What CPT should I use for peroneus brevis tendon exploration and repair on the l... Read more
28200 Makes Coding for Ankle Tendon Repair Easy
Question: What CPT should I use for peroneus brevis tendon exploration and repair on the l... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Ready To Tell Incision From Excision When Coding Fasciotomy
Question: I received an op note from my podiatrist, supposedly for a plantar fasciectomy f... Read more
Be Ready To Tell Incision From Excision When Coding Fasciotomy
Question: I received an op note from my podiatrist, supposedly for a plantar fasciectomy f... Read more
You Be the Coder:
11750 Answers Your Ingrown Toenail Removal Coding Quest
Question: A patient presents for a follow-up of an ingrown toenail. The podiatrist finds t... Read more
11750 Answers Your Ingrown Toenail Removal Coding Quest
Question: A patient presents for a follow-up of an ingrown toenail. The podiatrist finds t... Read more