Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: My co-worker tells me that you can never report G0247 by itself, is this true?Maine SubscriberAnswer: Yes. G0247 (Routine foot care by a physician of a diabetic patient with diabetic sensory neuropathy resulting in a loss of protective sensation [LOPS] to include, the local care of superficial wounds [i.e. superficial to muscle and fascia] and at least the following if present: [1] local care of superficial wounds, [2] debridement of corns and calluses, and [3] trimming and debridement of nails) is not a stand-alone code. You must report G0247 on the same date of service with either: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 ..., orG0246 -- Follow-up physician evaluation and management of a diabetic patient with diabetic sensory neuropathy resulting in a loss of protective sensation (LOPS) to include at least the [...]