Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: One of our regular patients slipped and twisted his right ankle while jogging. Our podiatrist has been treating him for ankle sprain and applied an ace wrap over the right ankle, changing the wrap for each of the past three visits. How do I code for this procedure? Do I need a modifier?

Missouri Subscriber

Answer: First, report 29540 (Strapping, ankle and/or foot) for the application of an ace wrap. Attach 845.00 (Sprains and strains of ankle; unspecified site) to indicate the injury and E885.9 (Fall from slipping, tripping or tumbling) for the cause of the injury.

You should add modifier RT (Right foot) to 29540 to specify that your podiatrist performed strapping on the right foot.

Then, report the appropriate established patient office visit codes based on the level of service your podiatrist provided -- for example, 99212 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, ...).