Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

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 certainly would consider the materials as part of the procedure.