Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Hint: Use of modifier 52 is out of the question.Does partial sesamoidectomy coding have you scratching your head in confusion? Reporting 28315 alone may not always be your best bet. Follow these three steps to claim success.Consider the following scenario:The podiatrist at a practice sees a patient -- with history of chronic sesamoiditis (733.99) of the right metatarsophalangeal joint and hammertoe (right third and fourth toes) -- for hammertoe correction and sesamoid planing of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The operative report indicates that only 40-50 percent of the sesamoid bone was removed. What should you report?Tip toe through these 3 steps, and onto coding success without much effort.1. Record Medical NecessityCosmetic surgery for the purpose of enhancing the appearance of the foot will not give you coverage in most insurance programs. Support medical necessity with: Appropriate diagnosis code to define persistent symptoms at the right metatarsophalangeal joint and hammertoe. In the above scenario, [...]