Podiatry Billing and Coding – 5 Tips to Boost Reimbursement

Podiatrists treat a very specialized set of symptoms, diseases, and conditions related to the foot and ankle. These specialists address a range of medical areas, including sports medicine, wound care, diabetic care and surgeries, which keeps them very busy. Podiatry coding and billing is complex as procedures and services related to the foot are very specific because of medical necessity requirements and restrictions on the conditions that can be treated. To maximize their reimbursement, these specialists need to understand what will be covered, choose the appropriate codes for their services, and ensure clean documentation.

Experienced podiatry billing companies will handle all tasks related to claims processing including reviewing claims to ensure proper coding, verifying eligibility benefits, sending out claims, and keeping track of all accounts receivable. They also file claims electronically.

Medicare coverage for podiatry services

In podiatry services, CMS will provide coverage only for treatments that are considered medically necessary and reasonable foot care. Treatments that get coverage are often related to bunion deformities and heel spurs. Medicare also covers a foot exam every six months for patients with diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensations.

Based on CMS’ fact sheet, it will not cover certain foot care services such as routine foot care, flat foot, subluxation of the foot, supportive devices of the foot and therapeutic shoes for individuals with diabetes, unless and until it is an emergency. In the case of ‘routine foot care,’ coverage will be provided in certain circumstances such as – if the patient is suffering from a disease affecting circulatory problems or lack of sensation in the legs/ feet, warts, infections, ulcers, wounds and needs treatment, fungal treatment, and the presence of a metabolic, neurologic or peripheral vascular disease. Routine foot care includes the treatment of corns and calluses (cut and removal), nail treatment (cut, clip, and debridement), hygiene care or other services not indicating any infirmity or injury.

1. Proper insurance verification

Health insurance verification is all about the process of checking a patient’s active coverage with the insurance company and verifying the eligibility of his or her insurance claims. Insurance verification is the initial process in podiatry billing. Checking and verifying the patient’s insurance eligibility and benefits prior to the treatment helps reduce denial rates and increase cash flow. Patients must be informed of their payment responsibilities at the time of appointment scheduling, which helps them decide on the course of treatment and the practice can also avoid last minute cancellations due to ineligibility reasons.

Along with checking the patient’s insurance coverage with the concerned insurance company, make sure to verify all details including patient’s name, date of birth, address, insurance ID number, deductible and insurance phone number.

2. Accurate codes matter

Podiatry coding also involves challenges. The most appropriate code available should be used to document podiatry procedures in medical claims. For all medical claims, whether related to pressure ulcers, infections, injuries, active wound care management or debridement, it is critical to include the right CPT, HCPCS and ICD-10 codes.

Medical codes used in the billing of foot care are:

CPT

  • 11055 – Trimming of skin lesion
  • 11056 – Trimming of skin lesion (two to four)
  • 11057 – Trimming of skin lesion (more than four)
  • 11719 – Non-dystrophic nails trim
  • 11720 – Debridement of nail (till 5)
  • 11721 – Debridement (more than six)
  • 11730 – Partial or complete nail plate avulsion
  • 11732 – Additional partial or complete nail plate avulsion

HCPCS

  • G0127 – Trimming of dystrophic nails, any number
  • G0245 – Initial physician evaluation and management of a diabetic patient with diabetic sensory neuropathy resulting in a loss of protective sensation (lops) which must include: (1) the diagnosis of lops, (2) a patient history, (3) a physical examination that consists of at least the following elements: (a) visual inspection of the forefoot, hind foot, and toe web spaces, (b)evaluation of a protective sensation, (c) evaluation of foot structure and biomechanics, (d) evaluation of vascular status and skin integrity, and (e) evaluation and recommendation of footwear and (4) patient education

ICD-10

  • B35.3 – Tineapedis
  • B07.0 – Plantar wart
  • E11.621 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
  • E13.4 – Other specified diabetes mellitus with neurological complications
  • S83.9 – Sprain of unspecified site of knee
  • S93.3 – Subluxation and dislocation of foot

Coders should stay updated with the changing coding standards and guidelines, as any errors in codes submitted can result in denial of claims or delayed payment.

3. Choose the right modifier

In a claim form that includes certain procedure codes, it will be required to add suitable modifiers to differentiate between the codes that were charged on the date of service. In podiatry, “Q” Modifiers (Q7, Q8, and Q9) are utilized to denote Class A (Q7), Class B (Q8) and Class C (Q9) findings.

Key modifiers used in podiatry billing are –

  • GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
  • GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
  • Q7 One Class A finding
  • Q8 Two Class B findings
  • Q9 One class B and 2 class C findings

“Q” modifiers may be used with procedure codes 11055, 11056, 11057, 11719, 11720, 11721 or G0127. Submitting claims using Q7, Q8, or Q9 modifiers indicates the findings related to the patient’s condition.

  • Class A Findings: Non-traumatic amputation of the foot or integral skeletal portion thereof.
  • Class B Findings: Absent posterior tibial pulse, advanced trophic changes and absent dorsalis pedis pulse.
  • Class C Findings: Claudication, temperature changes, edema, paresthesias and burning.

Usage of precise modifiers also helps to boost collections, minimize errors and avoid dwindling revenues.

4. Claims Involving Complicating Conditions

For podiatry claims involving complicated conditions, coders must

  • document the name of the physician who diagnosed the condition on the first submission of the claim along with the approximate date that the beneficiary was last seen by the indicated physician (when active care is required)
  • carefully document the severity of the diagnosis, not just the diagnosis itself

5. Appeal for denials

A claim may be denied, when the insurer has decided not to cover a claim and the claim will not be paid. Before appealing the claim, check the explanation of benefits (EOB) sent by the health insurance company to know the exact reason for denial. When appealing, the reason for denial should be addressed. Certain information may be missing and arguing medical necessity would not be of any value because that is not the basis for the denial. Also, check the carrier’s written policy to know the exceptions. After submitting the appeal, the practice staff should also call and confirm that the insurance company has received the appeal, or review the submission online and then follow it up in 30 days.

Coders and billing staff should also keep pace with regulatory updates to provide accurate documentation. When choosing an outsourced podiatry billing firm for such documentation tasks, make sure they are specialized in podiatry and have a proven track record in the medical billing industry.

Five Common Foot Problems and Their ICD-10 Codes

Reports suggest that about 75% of the people in the United States suffer from foot problems at some time in their lives. Regarded as one of the most complex parts of the body, the foot is made up of 26 bones connected by many joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The feet are prone to different types of injuries and malfunctions, causing pain and restricting mobility. The causes of foot problems can range from medical conditions and sport-related injuries to ill-fitted shoes. The feet are susceptible to infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Systemic illnesses like diabetes can also affect and change the feet, which can limit daily activity and quality of life. Whatever the cause, foot concerns should not be ignored and warrant medical attention. Podiatrists are specialized in diagnosing and treating conditions and function of the foot and ankle. Podiatry coding and billing can be challenging as the procedures and services related to the foot are very specific due to the medical necessity requirements and restrictions on the type of conditions that can be treated. Medical billing outsourcing can help physicians submit accurate claims for appropriate reimbursement.

Let’s take a look at five common foot concerns that podiatrists treat and their related ICD-10 codes.

Plantar fasciitis – Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing heel pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. This foot problem is common among people who engage in sports like football or baseball that involve running, which puts repeated stress on the foot. The condition involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes (plantar fascia). People who are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support have an increased risk of planter fasciitis.

Podiatrists generally recommend conservative treatment modalities to address heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. This includes medications (pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), steroid injections, resting and icing the painful area. Physical therapy exercises can help ease the pain and inflammation. Patients may be advised to wear night splints and custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) to distribute pressure across the affected foot more evenly. Wearing proper shoes and avoiding activities that put additional strain on the foot may help prevent the condition in the long run. Key ICD-10 codes for plantar fasciitis include:

  • M72 – Fibroblastic disorders
  • M72.0 – Palmar fascial fibromatosis [Dupuytren]
  • M72.1 – Knuckle pads
  • M72.2 – Plantar fascial fibromatosis
  • M72.4 – Pseudosarcomatous fibromatosis
  • M72.6 – Necrotizing fasciitis
  • M72.8 – Other fibroblastic disorders
  • M72.9 – Fibroblastic disorder, unspecified

Bunions – A bunion is a bony bump that forms on inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. Also called “Hallux Valgus”, this bone deformity develops when the bone of the big toe excessively angles or pushes against the next toe (instead of straight ahead), forcing the joints to get bigger and protrude. Causes of this progressive bone disorder include an inherited structural defect, stress on the foot or a medical condition, such as arthritis. If left untreated, this bone defect will gradually increase and make it extremely painful to wear shoes or even walk properly. Most people do not experience any specific symptoms during the early stages of bunion formation. Symptoms generally become visible while wearing certain types of footwear like shoes with a tight toe box or high-heeled shoes. Common symptoms include – persistent pain, swelling, redness, numbness or soreness around the big toe joint, hardened skin under the foot, and corns or calluses.

Treatment options for this bone deformity vary depending on the severity of the bumpy growth and the amount of pain it causes. Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) and cortisone injections can help relieve pain and swelling. Lifestyle adaptations like choosing appropriate fitting footwear, shoe inserts/orthotics, Padding, taping, or splinting of the toe and applying ice to the affected area will reduce soreness and inflammation. Surgery will be considered only if the bone disorder interferes with the patient’s daily activities or causes frequent pain and inflammation that does not improve with other treatments.

Diagnosis is reported using the following ICD-10 codes:

  • M20.1 – Hallux valgus (acquired)
  • M20.10 – Hallux valgus (acquired), unspecified foot
  • M20.11 – Hallux valgus (acquired), right foot
  • M20.12 – Hallux valgus (acquired), left foot

Ingrown toenails – Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail starts to grow in to the nail groove, causing significant pain and discomfort. Wearing shoes and socks that don’t fit properly can push the skin into the nail plate. Other causes include – toenails that are not trimmed properly, such as cutting the toenails too short or trauma to the feet due to activity including running. In addition, having a family history of ingrown toenails can also increase a person’s risk. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and drainage from the toenail.

Treating and preventing ingrown toenails requires patients to follow a systematic foot care routine. Prevention strategies include – wearing properly fitting shoes (that do not have a pointy tip), washing the feet with antibacterial soap, keeping the feet clean and dry, cutting the toe nails straight across after a bath when the nails are soft and avoiding cutting the nails in a rounded pattern (as this can increase the risk of inward growth). If the toenail is infected or at-home care does not improve the condition, patients need to consult a podiatrist. To treat the condition, the podiatrist may need to remove a portion of the toenail. Antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection. The ICD-10 code this foot condition is:

  • L60.0 – Ingrowing nail

Athlete’s Foot – A fungal infection that generally begins between the toes, athlete’s foot is common among people whose feet become very sweaty while confined within tight fitting shoes. Also called tinea pedis, the condition is caused by the growth of the contagious tinea fungus on the feet. If left untreated, it can spread to the toenails and the hands. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include – itching, stinging, and burning (between the toes or on soles of feet), blisters on the feet, cracking and peeling skin and discolored, and thick, crumbly toenails.

Podiatrists generally recommend over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal medications to address this foot infection. Patients would also be advised to soak their feet in salt water or diluted vinegar to help dry up blisters. Adopting self-care measures like – washing feet with soap and water every day, applying anti-fungal powders, wearing socks made out of breathable fibers, keeping the feet dry and changing socks when the feet get sweaty can help prevent athlete’s foot infections. The ICD-10 code used for athlete’s soot is:

  • B35.3 – Tinea pedis

Corns and calluses – Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop on the feet when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. Corns and calluses can make a person feel as if they are walking on stones. The condition is common among people who wear ill-fitting shoes, have sweaty feet, and those who stand for long periods each day. While corns generally form on the toes, calluses develop on the soles of the feet, especially under the heels or balls, on the palms of the hands, and also on the knees. Symptoms include: a bump on the skin; thick, hardened skin; flaky, dry and waxy skin, and pain or tenderness in the affected area.

To prevent corns from forming, podiatrists recommend – wearing shoes that give the toes plenty of room and using protective coverings (like felt pads, non-medicated corn pads or bandages) over areas that rub against footwear. Patients with diabetes who have corns or calluses should wear extra-depth shoes or diabetic shoes with offloading insoles.

If a corn or calluse continues to become painful despite following certain self-care measures, it is important to consult a foot doctor or podiatrist. Treatment may involve cutting or removing some of the hard skin with a scalpel to relieve pressure on the tissues that lies beneath. Related ICD-10 code include –

  • L84 – Corns and callosities

Foot care plays a vital role in maintaining your overall health. By giving your foot some well-deserved attention, you can make your feet look younger, stronger and keep it pain-free. Preventing the incidence of foot problems requires having a clear understanding about the causes, symptoms, risk factors about the associated condition and the steps to be taken to avoid them in the long run. A combination of medications, non-surgical modalities and self-care measures usually work to relieve acute foot pain. Chronic conditions will need more aggressive treatment.

Treating patients with different foot problems and managing their documentation requirements can be quite taxing for podiatrists. When it comes to ensuring appropriate care as well as reporting services for maximum reimbursement, podiatric practices can stay top of the game by outsourcing these tasks to reliable podiatry billing company. An experienced service provider will have a team of expert coders who stay updated with the current, changing coding rules and payer guidelines and work with physicians to ensure proper claim filing and reimbursement.

Treatment of a Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcer

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in a person with high blood sugar. It is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. All people with diabetes can develop foot ulcers and foot pain, but in some people, the skin does not heal and can progress into an ulcer or infection. According to Michigan Medicine, six percent of those who develop a diabetic foot ulcer will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complications. Podiatrists usually work with a team of medical professionals comprising a diabetes specialist, a wound specialist, an infectious disease specialist and a vascular specialist to treat chronic diabetic foot ulcers. As they deal with the challenges of treating non-healing diabetic foot ulcers, podiatric practices can rely on a professional podiatry billing company to streamline their claims processing tasks.

Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of chronic foot ulcers if they have high blood sugar, nerve damage, foot deformities, or poor circulation. Healing time for foot ulcers depends on a variety of factors, such as wound size and location, pressure on the wound from walking or standing, swelling, circulation, blood glucose levels, wound care, and what is being applied to the wound.

Treatment of a Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcer

The gold standard for diabetic foot ulcer treatment includes debridement of the wound, off-loading of the ulcer, applying medication or dressings, and preventing infection by keeping the ulcer clean and bandaged.

  • Debridement of the wound: A podiatrist will start the treatment with debridement – cleaning the wound and cutting away dead or infected tissue. Debridement is important because dead skin hampers the development of healthy new tissue, and also makes the affected area more vulnerable to infection. Removal of the dead skin will promote healing. Debridement will be done surgically, enzymatically, biologically, or through autolysis.
  • Dressings: The wound area is cleaned and a suitable dressing and ointment are put on it. There are different types of diabetic ulcers such as venous ulcers and ischemic ulcers. Podiatrists will apply the most appropriate dressing for the ulcer type. Optimal dressings are those that are free from contaminants, will absorb exudates and toxic elements, maintain a moist environment at the wound interface, and protect surrounding healthy skin. While antimicrobial dressings are used for infected diabetic foot ulcers and ulcers at-risk of infection, daily saline or similar dressings will be used to provide a moist wound environment. High-quality wound care kits can ensure better outcomes.
  • Ulcer pressure offloading: Another important part of the treatment is offloading, or taking weight and pressure off the wound. Inadequate off-loading is a significant reason for the delay of ulcer healing. To reduce the pressure and irritation to the ulcer area and speed up the healing process, patients may be asked to wear special footgear, or a brace, specialized castings, or use a wheelchair or crutches. Non-removable total-contact casts (TCCs) are an ideal option for effective off-loading of ulcers located at the forefoot or midfoot. Half shoes, therapeutic shoes, custom insoles, and the use of felted foam are other alternative methods to off-load wounds located on the forefoot.

Other add-on therapies to treat chronicdiabetic ulcers include hyperbaric oxygen therapy and negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Antibiotics will be prescribed if the wound is infected. X-rays of the feet will be taken to check whether any underlying bone is infected or even fractured. If there is any sign of poor blood circulation, surgery will be recommended to open up blood vessels.

During the course of the treatment, the patient’s foot will be regularly evaluated for any redness, inflammation or swelling, as well as any discharge or smell. Patients will be advised to avoid any unnecessary standing or walking with the affected foot, as ulcer cannot heal if it is constantly under pressure. Preventing diabetic foot ulcers reduces associated high morbidity and mortality rates, and the danger of amputation. Having feet screened and assessed every year by a podiatrist will help diabetic patients to prevent ulcers and infections. A foot and ankle surgeon will also take care to manage the patient’s blood glucose and other health problems. Controlling blood glucose level is crucial during the treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer to enhance healing and reduce risk of further complications.

Concierge Wound Care Solutions are available to streamline the wound-care prescription process. This innovative electronic program allows podiatrists to manage their prescriptions online and also ensures timely delivery of wound care supplies to patients.

Taking Care of Wounds So They Don’t Become Septic

Infection is a major factor that restricts proper wound healing. A wound can become septic, if bacteria grow within the damaged skin of a wound. Appropriate management of injuries is important to prevent wounds from becoming septic. Chronic wounds can be the result of surgery incisions, major trauma injury to the skin, deep burns, or even underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or some types of vascular disease. Infection of the wound triggers the body’s immune response, causing inflammation and tissue damage, as well as slowing the healing process. Podiatrists are experienced in managing different types of wounds. With reliable Concierge Wound Care Solutions, they can dispense and bill wound care kits electronically, avoiding paperwork and enhancing care.

Risk Factors and Symptoms of Wound Infection

Even a simple wound can become septic, if not treated properly. The wound healing process includes three distinct phases – the inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase, and the remodeling phase. Infection disrupts this process. The risk of infection is higher if the wound –

  • is large, deep, or open
  • has dirt or any foreign particles in it
  • is caused by a bite from an animal or human
  • is not cleaned or treated within 8 hours
  • occurs in a person with diabetes, a weak immune system, obesity or reduced mobility

Key symptoms of wound infection are – foul-smelling drainage from a wound, increased pain and swelling or redness in or near a wound, a change in the color or size of a wound and more. More severe infections may lead to nausea, chills, or fever.

Diabetic wounds and foot ulcers require special care, as they present increased risk for complications. While treating a diabetic foot ulcer, the main need is to prevent infection. Prior to initiating wound care, the podiatrist will perform a thorough examination using appropriate diagnostic modalities and obtain a health history, including a focused history of the wound.

Understanding and addressing the challenges in the treatment of chronic wounds is crucial for a better clinical outcome. It may also happen that these podiatrists will have to spend several weeks on a complex wound, which may improve or even worsen.

Key steps in wound care

Proper wound cleansing and dressing to reduce bioburden

For deep wounds, dead skin will be removed surgically under local anesthesia. Depending on the type and severity of the wound, the right dressing will be chosen. For chronic wounds, a moist dressing will be used. Wound cleansers will be used to remove contaminants, foreign particles and exudate from the wound surface, or to irrigate a deep cavity wound. Dirt and debris will be removed from a fresh wound, often in the shower. To prevent sepsis, the dressing will be changed daily using sterile gloves. Antibiotic ointments will be applied to help prevent bacterial infection in minor cuts. Large wounds will be closed with stitches or staples. Medications will be recommended to relieve pain, as pain can cause the blood vessels to tighten.

Perform wound toilet and debridement as soon as possible (within 8 hours if possible)

Wound toilet and surgical debridement will be done to promote healing by secondary intention. Debridement refers to the removal of unhealthy tissue from a wound to promote healing. Tissue removal can be surgical, chemical, mechanical, or autolytic. Managing with surgical wound toilet involves cleaning the skin with antiseptics, irrigation of wounds with saline, surgical debridement of all dead tissue and foreign matter. Wound debridement involves gentle handling of tissues to minimize bleeding and control residual bleeding with compression. During debridement process, the podiatrist will remove only a very thin margin of skin from the wound edge. Dead tissue does not bleed when cut. For deep wounds, antibiotic prophylaxis will be provided to avoid infection.

Tetanus vaccine for traumatic injury

Wounds caused by animal bites or from rusty objects may be at risk of tetanus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), wounds are tetanus-prone if they are sustained either more than 6 hours before surgical treatment of the wound or if it is a puncture-type wound with significant degree of devitalized tissue and clinical evidence of sepsis. For tetanus-prone injuries, WHO recommends TT or Td and TIG. A foot doctor will clean the wound and give the person a shot of the tetanus toxoid vaccine to protect against tetanus infection if necessary. Separate syringes and separates sites will be used when tetanus vaccine and tetanus immunoglobulin are administered at the same time.

Treatment for underlying medical conditions that hinder proper wound healing

During treatment, a podiatrist will examine for signs and symptoms of other underlying conditions that can impact wound healing and the patient’s health, and make timely referrals to the appropriate specialists. A podiatric physician will take steps to identify the cause of the chronic wound to control the underlying factors. For instance, if a foot ulcer is the result diabetes, podiatrist will review patient’s blood sugar levels and will provide treatment options to prevent recurring ulcers in future. A thorough history and physical examination will be done which supports patient’s wound healing.

As podiatry practices deal with wound care challenges, they also need to manage patient insurance verification and podiatry medical billing. Partnering with an experienced podiatry billing company is a feasible option to overcome these concerns and get appropriate reimbursement for services rendered.

Ways to Avoid Summertime Foot Hazards

During the warm summer days, people are more active and this can expose them to various foot hazards. Children as well as adults participate in various warm weather sports – from softball to soccer to swimming and cycling. In summer, people also tend to wear less supportive shoes or go barefoot to feel the soft grass and warm and beneath their feet. But certain summertime activities and choices can put the feet at risk of injury. Podiatrists are, of course, familiar with all the foot conditions that occur in summer season. For any condition you treat, podiatry billing services can help you submit accurate claims for appropriate reimbursement.

Here are five common foot problems that podiatrists treat in summer:

Athlete’s foot and other conditions caused by walking barefoot

Walking barefoot can expose the feet to sunburn, which can lead to athlete’s foot, plantar warts, ringworm, and other infections. It also increases risk of injury if the feet are exposed to rusty nails, glass, thorns and bacteria. People with diseases such as diabetes or vascular diseases have poor circulation and for them going barefoot is even more unsafe. Even a small injury can cause infection because healing in the foot is slow.

A common fungal infection, athlete’s foot affects the foot’s skin, mainly the area between the toes. If left untreated, it can spread to other body parts as well. Recommendations to prevent athlete’s foot include wearing thick, tight shoes/water shoes, keeping the feet dry, not sharing footwear and sandals, removing shoes soon after exercising, and wiping feet if they’re sweaty.

Podiatrists generally recommend topical creams to address foot infections. Deep cuts would likely need washing, dressing, stitches, and a tetanus shot. Patients would be also advised to wear proper shoes, and change socks and shoes frequently to prevent infection from recurring.

Ankle sprain

Ankle sprains are a common summertime injury. Unsupportive flip-flops or sandals increase risk of ankle sprains. Weak ankles are more subject to sprain, so doing basic exercises to strengthen the joint can help. Other preventive measures include: wearing athletic shoes that fit well and suitable for the activity, warming up before exercise, replacing shoes that are worn out, and not running on uneven ground.

Treatment for sprains would be focused on reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation and include a period of immobilization, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and wearing a soft cast or special boots.

Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are caused by excessive friction from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. These painful conditions that appear as hard, raised areas of skin, make walking very difficult. While corns generally form on the toes, calluses are found at the bottom of the feet. To prevent these foot conditions, podiatrists recommend orthotics or footwear changes such as wearing shoes that don’t put pressure on the feet and toes.

Calluses can be treated at home by soaking the feet to soften the calluses and scrubbing away the layers of dead skin. If a corn continues to be painful, a podiatrist will remove it. This painless procedure involves removing some of the dead skin.

Swollen feet

Podiatrists often treat swollen feet in summer. During hot weather, the veins in the feet expand to cool the body, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue (www.medicalnewstoday). The condition becomes obvious in the ankles and legs.

Recommendations to prevent swollen legs include: avoiding extreme heat, keeping the body cool by drinking plenty of fluids, cutting salt intake, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and doing leg or calf raises. While these measures may prevent this summer hazard, medical attention may be needed in some situations. The physician may order tests to rule out that the edema is not due to an underlying medical condition.

Plantar fasciitis

Wearing flimsy footwear in summer can also increase the risk of plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by stabbing pain in the foot arch and/or heel. Planter fasciitis is common in people who engage in summertime sports such as running, baseball and football which put repeated stress on the foot.

Choosing proper shoes and avoiding over activity arethe most important preventive steps. Most people recover from plantar fasciitis with a little rest, arch support (foot orthotics of just comfortable shoes), and stretching. Treatment for planter fasciitis that podiatrists provide include temporary taping to offload forces stressing the plantar fascia, and Non-steroidal for pain.

Podiatrists can increase patient adherence, outcomes, and satisfaction by supplying them with wound care kits that include products such as bandages, gauze, hydrogel, collagen powder, foam dressing, and sponges for their patients.

Key ICD-10 Codes for Summertime Foot Conditions

Podiatry coding involves using relevant medical codes to report foot injuries and pain. Key ICD-10 codes for summertime foot conditions discussed above include:

  • B35.3 – Tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot, Dermatophytosis of foot and Foot ringworm)
  • B35.9 – Dermatophytosis, unspecified
  • M72.2 – Plantar fascial fibromatosis
  • B07.0 – Plantar wart
  • B07.8 – Other viral warts
  • L84 – Corns and callosities
  • E11.621 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
  • E13.621 – Other specified diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
  • S83.4 – Sprain of collateral ligament of knee
  • S83.5 – Sprain of cruciate ligament of knee
  • S83.6 – Sprain of the superior tibiofibular joint and ligament
  • S83.8 – Sprain of other specified parts of knee
  • S83.9 – Sprain of unspecified site of knee
  • S93.3 – Subluxation and dislocation of foot
  • S93.4 – Sprain of ankle
  • S93.5 – Sprain of toe
  • S93.6 – Sprain of foot
  • M79.67 – Pain in foot and toes
  • M79.671 – Pain in right foot
  • M79.672 – Pain in left foot
  • M79.673 – Pain in unspecified foot
  • M79.674 – Pain in right toe(s)
  • M79.675 – Pain in left toe(s)
  • M79.676 – Pain in unspecified toe(s)

When it comes to reporting services for appropriate reimbursement, it is crucial to partner with an experienced podiatry coding and medical billing outsourcing company. A reliable service provider would be knowledgeable about the applicable medical codes, industry regulations, and payer guidelines. Podiatrists can also consider Concierge Wound Care Solutions to eliminate the headache of paperwork that follows wound care prescriptions.

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