Healthcare professionals bill for medical treatments and procedures using a standardized set of codes called CPT (Current Procedural Terminology). CPT codes are used in podiatry to identify and record the unique services that podiatrists give their patients. These codes ensure that the services rendered are accurately and adequately reimbursed. The CPT codes that apply to podiatry span a broad range. Ingrown toenail codes, foot and ankle fracture codes, plantar fasciitis codes, and codes for various foot and ankle procedures are a few examples.
When charging for their services, podiatrists must precisely record the services they render and use the proper CPT codes. This makes it possible to guarantee prompt payment and effective claim processing. New and evolved CPT codes need podiatrists to keep current. Podiatrists need continuing education and training to correctly use the most recent codes and bills. Podiatrists can ensure high-quality care and fair compensation using the correct CPT codes.
In this article, we will examine some of the podiatrist-specific CPT codes.
- 11720-11721
To report the debridement or removal of nails, utilize CPT codes 11720-11721. Ingrown nails, fungus infections, and other diseases that harm the health of the nail bed are frequently treated using this process.
The doctor or healthcare provider will use specialized instruments during the debridement execution to remove the diseased or damaged section of the nail. A sterile dressing will be applied once the region has been cleaned. A single nail is debrided using the CPT code 11720, while several nails are debrided using the CPT code 11721.
- 11055-11057
To document the trimming or removal of corns or calluses, apply CPT codes 11055-11057. Skin-thickened regions called calluses and corns can hurt and feel uncomfortable.
The doctor or other healthcare provider will remove the thicker skin using specialized equipment. A sterile dressing will be applied once the region has been cleaned. When clipping one to two corns or calluses, the CPT code 11055 is used, whereas 11056 is used when trimming three or more corns or calluses. Multiple layers of a single corn or callus are cut off using CPT code 11057.
- 11750-11752
To document the excision or removal of a nail and nail matrix, use the CPT code 11750-11752. Ingrown nails, cancers, and other disorders that impact the health of the nail bed are frequently treated using this method.
The doctor or healthcare provider will remove the entire nail and nail matrix using specialized instruments, and a sterile dressing will be applied once the region has been cleaned. For the removal of a single nail and nail matrix, use the CPT code 11750; for the removal of several nails and nail matrices, use the CPT code 11752.
- 99201-99215
To document an office or other outpatient visit for the assessment and management of a patient, use the CPT codes 99201-99215. Both new and existing patients may use this code.
The doctor or other healthcare provider will review the patient’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and offer treatment or advice as necessary during the visit. Which CPT code is utilized will depend on the degree of service provided, with 99201 denoting the lowest level of service and 99215 denoting the highest level of service.
- 20605-20610
Reporting arthrocentesis, aspiration, or injection of a significant joint or bursa is done using CPT code 20605-20610. Common uses for this therapy include pain relief, inflammatory reduction, and joint disease diagnosis.
The doctor or healthcare provider will use a needle during the operation to aspirate fluid from the afflicted joint or bursa or to inject medication there. The injection site and whether it is a single or repeated injection will determine the CPT code utilized.
- 28296-28299
Surgical techniques for hammertoes or other toe abnormalities are described under CPT codes 28296-28299. These codes specify the difficulty of the treatment and the total number of toes treated. In contrast to 28299, which is applied for complex corrections involving many toes and other structures, 28296 is used for a straightforward modification of a single toe’s hammertoe.
These operations entail realigning the toe(s) by removing bone or other tissue, and they may involve the insertion of pins or other hardware to keep the toe in place while the procedure heals.
- 20550
To treat problems like plantar fasciitis, CPT code 20550 describes injecting medication into a tendon sheath, ligament, or aponeurosis. No matter how many structures are processed, a single injection uses this code. A steroid or other anti-inflammatory medicine may be handed over to lessen pain and inflammation.
- 29822-29827
Arthroscopic procedures on the ankle or foot joints are described by the CPT codes 29822-29827. In these minimally invasive treatments, devices are placed through tiny incisions and a small camera to visualize and diagnose joint issues. Treatment for diseases including arthritis, cartilage degeneration, or ligament injuries may involve these techniques.
- 28270-28285
CPT codes 28270 and 28285 describe surgical methods for treating considerable toe bunion deformity. These operations entail realigning the bones of the foot and eliminating the bony prominence at the base of the big toe. Depending on the intricacy of the treatment, the number of toes treated, and whether other procedures like osteotomy or soft tissue restoration are carried out, a particular code may be utilized.
- 12001-12007
The CPT code 12001-12007 describes a range of codes for the simple repair of superficial wounds of various body areas, including the scalp, neck, axillae (armpits), external genitalia, trunk, and extremities (including hands and feet). The exact code used depends on the size of the wound, with more severe wounds requiring higher codes. The codes may also be modified to indicate the number of injuries being treated or if the damage requires a surgical tray.
It’s important to note that these codes only cover the repair of superficial wounds and do not include more complex repairs or surgeries for more severe damages.
Conclusion:
CPT codes are essential to podiatry because they enable podiatrists to interact with insurance providers and appropriately charge for their services. To maintain efficient and successful billing methods and to maximize reimbursement, it’s imperative to be familiar with these codes. Podiatrists must stay current with any CPT coding system upgrades or modifications to comply with rules and appropriate invoicing.
Understanding the coding system, remaining current with updates and changes, and employing technology and software to streamline the process are all necessary. A podiatrist practice’s success can be attributed to accurate coding and billing procedures to secure correct reimbursement.