Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Reader Question:

Do Not Report Casts Independently

Question: When correcting club feet by releasing the Achilles and then applying the cast do we need a 59 modifier to bill both? Would the casting be considered separate treatment since a cast is part of the treatment not just part of the surgery?New York SubscriberAnswer:  You will not append modifier 59 to report the cast application with the release procedure. The cast is a part of the postoperative dressing and care and is always a part of the Global Service Data Package.  
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