Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: I'm aware of Medicare policies covering routine foot care for diabetic patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation (LOPS). Nonetheless, I'm not sure how I should use the related G codes. Could you enlighten me?Florida SubscriberAnswer: Sure. First, the G codes you are referring to are G0245 (Initial physician Evaluation and Management [E/M] of a diabetic patient with diabetic sensory neuropathy resulting in a loss of protective sensation [LOPS] ...), and G0246 (Follow-up physician evaluation and management of a diabetic patient with diabetic sensory neuropathy resulting in a loss of protective sensation [LOPS] ...). You'll use G0245 when a patient sees your podiatrist for the first time. This G code represents routine foot care for patients who have adequate circulation and diabetes, but who also have a documented loss of sensation.Meanwhile, you'll choose G0246 for a diabetic patient's follow-up visit with your podiatrist.Just as important is [...]