Reader Questions:
29799 Targets Your Casting Coding Challenge
Published on Mon Oct 25, 2010
Question: I heard I can use an unlisted casting code in conjunction with codes from the L30xx series. What are the rules that govern the coding?Answer: You can submit a casting code to represent the podiatrist's work in conjunction with codes from the L30xx series. You would report 29799 (Unlisted procedure, casting or strapping) for the casting procedure for custom-made orthotics such as L3000, L3020, or L3030. Most insurance companies prefer two line items for 29799 as well, 29799- LT and 29799-RT.Take Two: Replacement casts are billable, even within the surgical procedure's global period, So you can submit 29799 again for the replacement work, when applicable.Heads up: Do not bill a supply code, such as A4580 (Cast supplies [e.g. plaster]) at the same time as the casting code (29799), when reporting an original or replacement cast. Why? Most times insurance companies will not pay for orthotic casting separate and they [...]