Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: My podiatrist reviewed an established patient who complained of having pain in her right ankle that began when she twisted her foot and fell in the shower. The podiatrist performed a level two E/M service and diagnosed the patient with a sprained ankle. The podiatrist then applied an ACE bandage that covered the sprained ankle. What codes should I report?

Nevada Subscriber

Answer: You will report a strapping code for this encounter since your podiatrist applied the ACE bandage, which is used for strapping. Check out the complete list of codes you will report:

• 29540 (Strapping; ankle and/or foot)
• S93.401A (Sprain of unspecified ligament of right ankle, initial encounter) for the diagnosis code to support the claim for strapping
• W18.2XXA (Fall in [into] shower or empty bathtub, initial encounter) attached to the strapping code to show the cause for the injury
• 99212 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient...) for the level two E/M service. Append modifier 25 to the E/M code
• 99070 (Supplies and materials [except spectacles], provided by the physician or other qualified health care professional over and above those usually included with the office visit or other services rendered [list drugs, trays, supplies, or materials provided]) or A6448 (Light compression bandage, elastic, knitted/woven, width less than 3 inches, per yard) for the strap, depending on payer preference for supply coding.