HCPCS

“I think it is time for this topic to resurface. Being a coder/biller for a number of podiatrists around the U.S., I am finding that some are still scheduling “annual diabetic foot exams” as a routine on all of their diabetic patients. They are then performing a “full physical exam” and trying to bill an E/M. Sometimes this coincides with callus or nail treatment, at which time they want to add the 25 modifier. Of course, I am telling them that Medicare does not pay for an “annual diabetic foot exam” and that it is not a benefit and as such should be CASH. Has anything changed?”

“I am reading conflicting information regarding the dispensing of a post-operative/cast shoe. Medicare never seems to pay for this but commercial carriers usually do. I am reading that this shoe is NOT separately payable when it is dispensed in conjunction with a surgical procedure code. You cannot have the patient sign an ABN and charge the patient for the shoe. Please clarify the dos and don’ts of using the L3260 HCPCS code.”