Podiatry Coding Alert
Fracture Coding and Casts:
Facilitate These Coding and Casting Tips for Fractures
Beware: E/M codes are not always billable. When a patient comes in with a broken ankle, y... Read more
Facilitate These Coding and Casting Tips for Fractures
Beware: E/M codes are not always billable. When a patient comes in with a broken ankle, y... Read more
Compliance:
Understand the 5 Challenges Remote Workers Face
Craft effective policies to maintain compliance. Remote workers face several challenges... Read more
Understand the 5 Challenges Remote Workers Face
Craft effective policies to maintain compliance. Remote workers face several challenges... Read more
Practice Management:
Improve Provider, Coder, Biller Relations, Improve Outcomes and Revenue
Three different roles, the same shared goals. In her presentation “Documenting and Co... Read more
Improve Provider, Coder, Biller Relations, Improve Outcomes and Revenue
Three different roles, the same shared goals. In her presentation “Documenting and Co... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code These Diabetic Ulcers and Complications Correctly
Question: My podiatrist is treating a patient who has diabetes and peripheral angiopa... Read more
Code These Diabetic Ulcers and Complications Correctly
Question: My podiatrist is treating a patient who has diabetes and peripheral angiopa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember to Add Modifier 58 to This Claim
Question: A diabetic patient presented with a 3 cm ulcer on the plantar surface of th... Read more
Remember to Add Modifier 58 to This Claim
Question: A diabetic patient presented with a 3 cm ulcer on the plantar surface of th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Aware of Malware
Question: What exactly is keylogger software, and how can we avoid this type of secur... Read more
Be Aware of Malware
Question: What exactly is keylogger software, and how can we avoid this type of secur... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish NCD From LCD
Question: What's the difference between a national coverage determination (NCD) an... Read more
Distinguish NCD From LCD
Question: What's the difference between a national coverage determination (NCD) an... Read more
Lesions:
Ensure Your Foot Care Coding Skills Are More Than Surface-Level
Focusing on the language used in medical notes is key to coding correctly. When it comes ... Read more
Ensure Your Foot Care Coding Skills Are More Than Surface-Level
Focusing on the language used in medical notes is key to coding correctly. When it comes ... Read more
Artificial Intelligence:
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System — Part 2
Will the price point deter future adopters? Last month, Podiatry Coding Alert examined s... Read more
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System — Part 2
Will the price point deter future adopters? Last month, Podiatry Coding Alert examined s... Read more
Practice Management:
Study These Strategies for Setting Up a Solid CDI Process
Understand the benefits of regular self-audits. Comprehensive clinical documentation is t... Read more
Study These Strategies for Setting Up a Solid CDI Process
Understand the benefits of regular self-audits. Comprehensive clinical documentation is t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Familiarize Yourself With Free Sample Best Practices
Question: The doctors in our practice often provide our patients with complimentary s... Read more
Familiarize Yourself With Free Sample Best Practices
Question: The doctors in our practice often provide our patients with complimentary s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Step Over This 2025 ICD-10 Update
Question: Are there any upcoming revisions or ICD-10 changes related to podiatry that... Read more
Don’t Step Over This 2025 ICD-10 Update
Question: Are there any upcoming revisions or ICD-10 changes related to podiatry that... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Navigate This Needle Placement X-Ray
Question: The patient came in complaining of persistent pain in the right ankle. Afte... Read more
Navigate This Needle Placement X-Ray
Question: The patient came in complaining of persistent pain in the right ankle. Afte... Read more
Fracture Coding:
Know Ankle Anatomy, Fracture Types for Optimal Coding
Do you know what a trimalleolar fracture involves? Patients reporting to the podiatrist f... Read more
Know Ankle Anatomy, Fracture Types for Optimal Coding
Do you know what a trimalleolar fracture involves? Patients reporting to the podiatrist f... Read more
Artificial Intelligence:
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 1
Can NLP decipher language differences between doctors? Choosing the right artificial int... Read more
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 1
Can NLP decipher language differences between doctors? Choosing the right artificial int... Read more
Telehealth Updates:
Keep Up With These Changes to Post-PHE Telehealth
And get ready for telehealth codes to change again in 2025. During her HEALTHCON 2024 pre... Read more
Keep Up With These Changes to Post-PHE Telehealth
And get ready for telehealth codes to change again in 2025. During her HEALTHCON 2024 pre... Read more
Reader Questions:
Catch the Difference Between Corn Removal Codes
Question: The podiatrist performed a surgical removal of a corn on the patient's left... Read more
Catch the Difference Between Corn Removal Codes
Question: The podiatrist performed a surgical removal of a corn on the patient's left... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware of Damaging Disclaimers
Question: One of the physicians at our practice uses dictation software, and the vend... Read more
Beware of Damaging Disclaimers
Question: One of the physicians at our practice uses dictation software, and the vend... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish Medical Identity Theft From Other Types of Fraud
Question: Is medical identity theft a type of fraudulent claim? Minnesota Subscribe... Read more
Distinguish Medical Identity Theft From Other Types of Fraud
Question: Is medical identity theft a type of fraudulent claim? Minnesota Subscribe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Solve This Prickly Heel Spur Scenario
Question: A 45-year-old patient has been experiencing chronic heel pain for several m... Read more
Solve This Prickly Heel Spur Scenario
Question: A 45-year-old patient has been experiencing chronic heel pain for several m... Read more
Surgery Spotlight:
Help the Slipper Fit by Coding Cinderella Surgeries Correctly
Whether for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, these procedures can prove essential. Cinde... Read more
Help the Slipper Fit by Coding Cinderella Surgeries Correctly
Whether for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, these procedures can prove essential. Cinde... Read more
Denials:
Fight for Your Right to Appeal and Win
Insurance companies aren't advocating for your office; that's your job. During her HEALTH... Read more
Fight for Your Right to Appeal and Win
Insurance companies aren't advocating for your office; that's your job. During her HEALTH... Read more
Employee Productivity:
Consider These Tips to Monitor Employee Productivity
Hint: Look at workers' records over a defined period of time. Practice managers know tha... Read more
Consider These Tips to Monitor Employee Productivity
Hint: Look at workers' records over a defined period of time. Practice managers know tha... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code This Ligament Repair With Confidence
Question: The podiatrist performed a repair of a disrupted ankle ligament. There are ... Read more
Code This Ligament Repair With Confidence
Question: The podiatrist performed a repair of a disrupted ankle ligament. There are ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware Side Hustle Solicitations
Question: A colleague who works at the front desk has a “side hustle” pet-sitting... Read more
Beware Side Hustle Solicitations
Question: A colleague who works at the front desk has a “side hustle” pet-sitting... Read more
Reader Questions:
Always Remain HIPAA Compliant
Question: One of the physicians in my practice demands we use a sign-in sheet — he... Read more
Always Remain HIPAA Compliant
Question: One of the physicians in my practice demands we use a sign-in sheet — he... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Factor in These Fracture Codes
Question: I'm new to podiatry coding. Could you please explain the difference between... Read more
Factor in These Fracture Codes
Question: I'm new to podiatry coding. Could you please explain the difference between... Read more
Condition Coding Tips:
Follow These 5 Tips for Successful Morton’s Neuroma Claims
Understanding different intervention options is key to coding this condition. It's likel... Read more
Follow These 5 Tips for Successful Morton’s Neuroma Claims
Understanding different intervention options is key to coding this condition. It's likel... Read more
E/M Coding:
Answer the How, What, When and Why for Preoperative Evaluations
Don't forget to check for comorbid conditions. Knowing how to navigate and select all of... Read more
Answer the How, What, When and Why for Preoperative Evaluations
Don't forget to check for comorbid conditions. Knowing how to navigate and select all of... Read more
Practice Management:
Prepare Your Practice to Support Trans Patients and Staff Members
Embracing and supporting all people in your practice is key. Providing optimal care for... Read more
Prepare Your Practice to Support Trans Patients and Staff Members
Embracing and supporting all people in your practice is key. Providing optimal care for... Read more
Reader Questions:
Maintain Your Understanding of MUEs
Question: Could you please clarify what “MUE” means and explain how it impacts m... Read more
Maintain Your Understanding of MUEs
Question: Could you please clarify what “MUE” means and explain how it impacts m... Read more
Reader Questions:
Review the Risk of Calling Out Patient Names and PHI
Question: Is it OK to call out full names in a waiting room? Can you ask for “Nancy... Read more
Review the Risk of Calling Out Patient Names and PHI
Question: Is it OK to call out full names in a waiting room? Can you ask for “Nancy... Read more
Reader Questions:
Add Modifier 51 Only When Appropriate
Question: We have a coder who puts modifier 51 on almost all claims for procedures. H... Read more
Add Modifier 51 Only When Appropriate
Question: We have a coder who puts modifier 51 on almost all claims for procedures. H... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Understand the Difference Between Open and Percutaneous Tenotomies
Question: My podiatrist carried out a tenotomy procedure to correct a hammertoe defor... Read more
Understand the Difference Between Open and Percutaneous Tenotomies
Question: My podiatrist carried out a tenotomy procedure to correct a hammertoe defor... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Handle Your Heel Spur Claims Like a Pro
Tip: Calcaneal spurs and heel spurs are one and the same. If your podiatrist performs sur... Read more
Handle Your Heel Spur Claims Like a Pro
Tip: Calcaneal spurs and heel spurs are one and the same. If your podiatrist performs sur... Read more
Image Coding:
Analyze This Ankle Arthrography Procedure
Find out how to code this arthrogram in your podiatry practice. When traditional joint X-... Read more
Analyze This Ankle Arthrography Procedure
Find out how to code this arthrogram in your podiatry practice. When traditional joint X-... Read more
Revenue:
Capture These Tips to Stall Denials
Make sure your billing team feels empowered to communicate well. Denials easily cross t... Read more
Capture These Tips to Stall Denials
Make sure your billing team feels empowered to communicate well. Denials easily cross t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid the Fog of Coding Anesthesia Time Correctly
Question: Can you explain how to calculate and report anesthesia charges? When you key in... Read more
Avoid the Fog of Coding Anesthesia Time Correctly
Question: Can you explain how to calculate and report anesthesia charges? When you key in... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code This Complication Dx Correctly
Question: If a patient suffers from an intra- or postoperative complication involving blee... Read more
Code This Complication Dx Correctly
Question: If a patient suffers from an intra- or postoperative complication involving blee... Read more
Reader Questions:
Gather the Info for This Skin Graft Procedure
Question: I am attempting to identify the appropriate ICD-10-CM code that would justify th... Read more
Gather the Info for This Skin Graft Procedure
Question: I am attempting to identify the appropriate ICD-10-CM code that would justify th... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Verify This Volleyball Misstep
Question: The patient came in with extreme pain and swelling of their left heel. The patie... Read more
Verify This Volleyball Misstep
Question: The patient came in with extreme pain and swelling of their left heel. The patie... Read more
Diabetic Foot Care:
Get the Answers to Your Frequently Asked Diabetic Foot Care Questions
Hint: a diabetes diagnosis is a requirement for both shoe prescriptions and foot care. Wh... Read more
Get the Answers to Your Frequently Asked Diabetic Foot Care Questions
Hint: a diabetes diagnosis is a requirement for both shoe prescriptions and foot care. Wh... Read more
Case Study Corner:
Brush Up on Your Fracture Coding Skills With This Case Study
Remember to add an external cause code to your claim. From slight fissures to clean brea... Read more
Brush Up on Your Fracture Coding Skills With This Case Study
Remember to add an external cause code to your claim. From slight fissures to clean brea... Read more
Clarification:
Take Note of These APMA Clarifications
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recently brought to our attention two cl... Read more
Take Note of These APMA Clarifications
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recently brought to our attention two cl... Read more
Staffing:
Examine Your Practitioner-to-Coder Ratio
Find out why experience matters in coder productivity numbers. Figuring out how many co... Read more
Examine Your Practitioner-to-Coder Ratio
Find out why experience matters in coder productivity numbers. Figuring out how many co... Read more
Reader Questions:
Crack This Contracture Case
Question: The practitioner's notes indicate that the patient was treated for a “co... Read more
Crack This Contracture Case
Question: The practitioner's notes indicate that the patient was treated for a “co... Read more
Reader Questions:
Peek at This Palindromic Rheumatism Case
Question: The notes from my podiatrist reveal that a patient has been diagnosed with ... Read more
Peek at This Palindromic Rheumatism Case
Question: The notes from my podiatrist reveal that a patient has been diagnosed with ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand the 5 Levels of Appealing Medicare Denials
Question: I filed a claim for a Part B patient with my Medicare Administrative Contra... Read more
Understand the 5 Levels of Appealing Medicare Denials
Question: I filed a claim for a Part B patient with my Medicare Administrative Contra... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code This Same Foot, Separate Fracture Scenario
Question: My podiatrist's notes indicate that they performed closed treatment on a pa... Read more
Code This Same Foot, Separate Fracture Scenario
Question: My podiatrist's notes indicate that they performed closed treatment on a pa... Read more
Case Study:
Resolve This Office Visit for Toe Injury Case
Distinguish between new and existing patients to assign the appropriate E/M code. Injurie... Read more
Resolve This Office Visit for Toe Injury Case
Distinguish between new and existing patients to assign the appropriate E/M code. Injurie... Read more
X-rays:
Grasp Foot and Toe Modifiers for Legitimate X-Ray Compensation
Understanding the different modifiers is key to claim success. When a patient comes to y... Read more
Grasp Foot and Toe Modifiers for Legitimate X-Ray Compensation
Understanding the different modifiers is key to claim success. When a patient comes to y... Read more
Compliance:
Improve Telehealth Compliance in Your Post-PHE Practice
Contracted vendors are still required to comply with HIPAA regulations. Following the COV... Read more
Improve Telehealth Compliance in Your Post-PHE Practice
Contracted vendors are still required to comply with HIPAA regulations. Following the COV... Read more
Reader Questions:
Correctly Code This Ankle/Toe Loose Bodies Case
Question: Notes indicate that the podiatrist performed a level-four office evaluation... Read more
Correctly Code This Ankle/Toe Loose Bodies Case
Question: Notes indicate that the podiatrist performed a level-four office evaluation... Read more
Reader Questions:
Unravel This Curious Toe Tangle
Question: The physician removed a “hair tourniquet” of human hair wound tightly a... Read more
Unravel This Curious Toe Tangle
Question: The physician removed a “hair tourniquet” of human hair wound tightly a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Aware of Medicare Redetermination Timeline
Question: We are quickly approaching the 120-day deadline to submit a redetermination... Read more
Be Aware of Medicare Redetermination Timeline
Question: We are quickly approaching the 120-day deadline to submit a redetermination... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Solve This Age-Old Osteoporosis Case
Question: My podiatrist's notes indicate that they performed an office evaluation and... Read more
Solve This Age-Old Osteoporosis Case
Question: My podiatrist's notes indicate that they performed an office evaluation and... Read more
Case Study:
Solve This Compression Fracture Case in 3 Steps
Be ready to consult three books to correctly code this scenario. In your podiatry practi... Read more
Solve This Compression Fracture Case in 3 Steps
Be ready to consult three books to correctly code this scenario. In your podiatry practi... Read more
Quiz:
Resolve Ankle and Foot Effusion Coding Dilemmas by Answering These 8 Questions
Identifying the affected area is key to accurately coding this condition. In order to acc... Read more
Resolve Ankle and Foot Effusion Coding Dilemmas by Answering These 8 Questions
Identifying the affected area is key to accurately coding this condition. In order to acc... Read more
Medicare Tips:
Avoid a Snag With These Medicare Signature Tips
Questionable signatures need resolution before claim submission. In your podiatry pract... Read more
Avoid a Snag With These Medicare Signature Tips
Questionable signatures need resolution before claim submission. In your podiatry pract... Read more
Reader Questions:
Amputation Location is Key to Coding Correctly
Question: I'm new to podiatry coding, and I'm trying to understand the difference bet... Read more
Amputation Location is Key to Coding Correctly
Question: I'm new to podiatry coding, and I'm trying to understand the difference bet... Read more
Reader Questions:
Protect Your Practice’s Digital Signatures
Question: In our recent risk evaluation, we discovered that the electronic signature... Read more
Protect Your Practice’s Digital Signatures
Question: In our recent risk evaluation, we discovered that the electronic signature... Read more
Reader Questions:
Solve This Calcaneal Spur Conundrum
Question: The podiatrist carried out a removal of the calcaneal spur and released the... Read more
Solve This Calcaneal Spur Conundrum
Question: The podiatrist carried out a removal of the calcaneal spur and released the... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Sidestep Contusion Confusion With These Codes
Question: Our foot specialist recently examined a patient presenting with a bruise on... Read more
Sidestep Contusion Confusion With These Codes
Question: Our foot specialist recently examined a patient presenting with a bruise on... Read more
2024 MPFS:
Strengthen Your Understanding of the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule
CMS makes good on its earlier proposals. In July 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Med... Read more
Strengthen Your Understanding of the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule
CMS makes good on its earlier proposals. In July 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Med... Read more
Q&A:
Take the Pressure Off Coding Non-Pressure Ulcers With This Q&A
Consider the ulcer's type and condition upon admission. Encounters involving non-pressure... Read more
Take the Pressure Off Coding Non-Pressure Ulcers With This Q&A
Consider the ulcer's type and condition upon admission. Encounters involving non-pressure... Read more
Billing:
Waiving Copays May Do More Harm Than Good
This financial convenience could lead to major complications. Naturally, healthcare prof... Read more
Waiving Copays May Do More Harm Than Good
This financial convenience could lead to major complications. Naturally, healthcare prof... Read more
Reader Question:
Identify This Achilles Tendon Injection Situation
Question: The patient was brought to the table and laid in prone position. Their righ... Read more
Identify This Achilles Tendon Injection Situation
Question: The patient was brought to the table and laid in prone position. Their righ... Read more
Reader Question:
Unreachable Patients May Leave Unclaimed Funds
Question: In an audit, I found out that my practice overcharged a patient. We mailed ... Read more
Unreachable Patients May Leave Unclaimed Funds
Question: In an audit, I found out that my practice overcharged a patient. We mailed ... Read more
Reader Question:
Expect Medicare Payment Only With a Taxonomy Code
Question: I just found out that CMS has a taxonomy of providers. What does this mean?... Read more
Expect Medicare Payment Only With a Taxonomy Code
Question: I just found out that CMS has a taxonomy of providers. What does this mean?... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tackle This Os Trigonum Treatment Scenario
Question: The patient, a professional volleyball player, was born with an os trigonum... Read more
Tackle This Os Trigonum Treatment Scenario
Question: The patient, a professional volleyball player, was born with an os trigonum... Read more
Podiatry Coding:
Distinguish the Differences Between Walking Boot HCPCS Codes
Question: I'm curious about the distinction between codes L4360 and L4361. My vendor ... Read more
Distinguish the Differences Between Walking Boot HCPCS Codes
Question: I'm curious about the distinction between codes L4360 and L4361. My vendor ... Read more
Podiatry Coding:
Code These Diabetic Ulcers and Complications in the Correct Order
Question: My podiatrist is treating a patient with diabetes who is also sufferi... Read more
Code These Diabetic Ulcers and Complications in the Correct Order
Question: My podiatrist is treating a patient with diabetes who is also sufferi... Read more
Podiatry Coding:
Master Routine Foot Care Coding
Patient and practitioner education are key to successful claim payment. When it comes to ... Read more
Master Routine Foot Care Coding
Patient and practitioner education are key to successful claim payment. When it comes to ... Read more
Podiatry Coding:
Code This Fasciotomy Case Correctly
Question: The podiatrist performed a surgical cut on the sole of a patient's foot, re... Read more
Code This Fasciotomy Case Correctly
Question: The podiatrist performed a surgical cut on the sole of a patient's foot, re... Read more
Podiatry Coding:
Correctly Capture This Bunionectomy Code
Question: My podiatrist performed a surgical cut over the patient's metatarsophalange... Read more
Correctly Capture This Bunionectomy Code
Question: My podiatrist performed a surgical cut over the patient's metatarsophalange... Read more
Podiatry Coding:
Review 3 Achilles Tendon Repair Scenarios to Tighten Your Skills
Preparing for a range of possibilities is crucial for smart Achilles repair coding. When ... Read more
Review 3 Achilles Tendon Repair Scenarios to Tighten Your Skills
Preparing for a range of possibilities is crucial for smart Achilles repair coding. When ... Read more