Diabetic Foot Exams with debridements, etc

[amckinney46]

We have a podiatrist doing CDFEs along with nail debridements, paring of callouses, etc. I am new to podiatry coding and am trying to audit her charges. I can tell she often drops incorrect codes, eg: 11720 instead of 11721. In searching for information on these, I am finding conflicting information. Can anyone tell me how this is supposed to be coded? E/M? 1172x or 1105x? G codes?

DM II female returns to the office for the evaluation of her DM foot care. She denies any health changes. According to the patient she saw Dr. L in March 2019. Derm: elongated toenails x 10 R 2nd toenail is painful with pressure there is no pus no odor no drainage no streaking redness Vasc: DP and PT 1/4 and not palpable L foot DP and PT 1/4 R foot positive pedal hair B/L LE warm to the touch B/L Neuro: gross sensation intact with the monofilament 5.07 g B/L she has burning sensation in both feet Biomech: pronated foot A/P evaluate and examined her feet I sharply debrided her toenails x 10 with a nail clipper I reiterate DM foot care I rec. proper shoe gear to protect her feet at all times she is to call if there are any questions or concerns with her feet I will see her in 3 months for an evaluation

 

[fltbaroque]

This is a good reference guide that I found online. However, I will say that since Medicare requires so much documentation with the class findings, our Podiatrist has decided to charge only an office visit for these services.

http://www.qnotes.com/resources/Pod_Medicare_Foot_and_Nail_Care_Services.pdf