There is a shortage of dates.....on the FootZine "Calendar" page.  You are welcome to email me any information you have about upcoming meetings with programs for podiatric assistants.   The Calendar can be found at:  http://www.footzine.com/FZ_4.htm

Likewise, there have been many changes on the "Networking" page, as people have gotten new jobs, hired new employees, and otherwise found what they were looking for.   We are happy to post your notices of positions available, positions wanted, equipment needed, or other potential networking opportunities.  The FootZine Networking page is here:  http://www.footzine.com/FZ_6.htm

Have you been to any podiatry meetings or functions lately?  Did you take any photos of the proceedings or the people participating there?  Feel free to email those to me, with a note identifying the people shown and the occasion (please be sure your subjects don't mind).  Then we can add them to the FootZine gallery.  FootZine Pictures are found starting at:  http://www.footzine.com/FZ_8.htm

If you haven't visited in a while, drop in at  www.FootZine.com and browse the site.  We have all previous issues of FootZine, as well as every HIPAA article, Crystal-Clear Coding, Gems of Practice Management, and Practice Management Pearls archived there.  There is also a search feature which can be accessed via the "FootZine Archives" or the "Gem Archives" pages.

FootZine is meant most of all to be your forum  -  the place where we can all exchange ideas and concerns, and offer each other a helping hand or an improved approach to the work we do.

 ~ Gayle

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"I think that, as life is action and passion, it is required of a man that he should share the passion and action of his time at peril of being judged not to have lived."   -  OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

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The Question:

Is there another CPT code that can be used for orthotic fittings except 97504. We are a hospital based outpatient clinic in a rural area. We supply prefabricated splints and braces for orthopedic patients on a one visit status. Do we have to charge an evaluation of the patient to provide them with the doctor prescribed brace?

Jean Bohl, OTR/L
Audrain Medical Center
Healthworks, Out Patient Rehabilitation Department
711 E. Jackson
Mexico, MO 65265

The Answer:

You can bill 97116 Gait training each 15 minutes
or the
97504 orthotic fitting.
or the
99XXX code for outpatient consult if you meet the requirements of a consult.


Crystal-Clear Coding tips by Dr. Ward are posted on the FootZine web site on this page:
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_C.htm


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"Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."   - 
Oliver Wendell Holmes

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The stretching of the mind, having the opportunity to add so many perspectives and so much new information, is my favorite part of editing FootZine.  Thanks to all of you who share in that  -  Keep on writing!

  ~ Gayle