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FootZine,
Volume 89 |
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There seem to be lots of
year-end reminders going around now. Even more
immediate than the increase in the Medicare Part B
deductible, which is effective January 1, 2005, is
the change in ICD-9-CM codes, which are effective
October 1, 2004. In years past, Medicare and
other insurance carriers gave 90 days of leeway for
providers to obtain their ICD-9-CM books and start
using the newer codes. This year, CMS will
simply reject any claims that use any outdated codes
after October 1st. There are changes in codes
that pertain to podiatric services, so it is
critical to get the 2005 book now and make those
coding changes a top priority. The 2005 CPT
changes will be effective January 1, 2005. Thanks to all who wrote with this week's answers! ~ Gayle
*_* Letters
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From: Debbie Claes, PMACre: Dust Vacuum Bags (Volume 88) Dear Gayle, I want to let you know I have enjoyed the articles in the email. they are very helpful. I want to let you know I have a new email address. ......... I would appreciate it if I could still get the emails. Also in response to Ingrid re: dust vac bags. Jan L. Co. phone 1-609-261-1133 the filters acc -100. They come in a package of 10. They cost $12.95 + s.h . Thank you, Debbie Claes, PMAC *_* *_* *_* From: Janet Grace, PMAC re: Thoughts on Certification (Volume 88) Hi Gayle - Thanks for the very good article you wrote. As Recertification Chair I look at everything the PMACs send in for credit. The meetings attended are quite varied and I always hope they gained something useful from every one. When the JOURNAL articles are used as credits I hope they were challenging enough to make them work for the answers. Yes, our career choice should be something we strive to improve upon every day. Janet *_* *_* *_* From: Ann Estes, PMAC re: Minnesota Meeting (Volume 88) Gayle, I wasn't sure who to send a response to so I am sending it to you. In regard to the Minnesota State meeting I have the following information: It is scheduled for November 11-13, 2004 at the Minneapolis Marriott. You can contact Deb Siverhus at (763) 755-5489 or Joan Nowlan at (612) 788-8778 for information. Ann Estes, PMAC Albert Lea Medical Center *_* *_* *_* From: Jennifer Bremer re: Minnesota Meeting (Volume 88) The Minnesota Podiatric Medical Association Foot and Ankle Conference will be held November 11 - 13, 2004. The meeting will be at a new hotel this year, the Minneapolis Airport Marriott. You can contact Deb Siverhus for questions about registration at mnmpma@hotmail.com. Jennifer Bremer Office Manager Associated Podiatrists 6344 Penn Avenue South Richfield, MN 55423 Phone: (612) 866-3601 Fax: (612) 866-5875 E-mail: info@associatedpodiatrists.com Website: www.associatedpodiatrists.com *_* *_* *_* From: Sue Dissinger re: Pennsylvania Meeting Hi Gayle, The Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Assistants Association Meeting will be held November 12 & 13 at the Hilton in Harrisburg, PA. Please contact Sue Dissinger at 717-336-3121 or at dissinge@redrose.net for more information. Thanks! Sue
*_* FootZine
Feeture Article
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The Question:Crystal-Clear Coding Q & A by Rick Horsman, DPM, and Scott Schroeder, DPM My understanding of the Medicare Physical Therapy Guidelines would allow a podiatrist to bill the 97001 and 97002 initial and re evaluation therapy codes, as long as your documentation was sufficient to back these codes. Am I correct? Lois Clauss Office Manager Allentown Family Foot Care Prof Corp The Answer: I do not purport myself as an expert in this matter, but it is my understanding that podiatrists CAN bill these codes. But it must and should be emphasized that they will be held to same high standards of documentation (formal treatment plan, goals, etc.) as would a PT who received this patient on their referral. It is also my understanding that these codes are intended to be used and billed by the practitioner who is providing (and billing for) the PT services. You do NOT use these codes if you are sending the patient out for the therapy.... you must be doing it "in-house". CPT is not as clear in this matter as it might be, but that is my own best and current interpretation and opinion Rick Horsman, DPM Olympia, WA The Question: Could you please give me a ICD-9 code for Compartment Syndrome - Dr. says pressure in the calf that pushes on the nerves and tendons which causes pain. Could you please E-Mail an answer to us? Thank you very much for your time, Alice The Answer: ICD-9 729.9 Compartment Syndrome, NONTRAUMATIC ICD-9 958.8 Compartment Syndrome, TRAUMATIC Rick Horsman, DPM Crystal-Clear Coding tips are posted on the FootZine web site on this page: http://www.footzine.com/FZ_C.htm
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I recently received a mailing
from Bill Armwood at SAS Shoemakers with details
about the annual walk that SAS hosts at their ranch
northwest of San Antonio. The Siesta Valley
Ranch Walk is the second Saturday in October, the
9th. This will be the 15th year that SAS has
hosted this walk, which Bill describes as "the
largest 'non-fundraising' walk in the country (that
we know of)." People truly come from around the world to take part in this non-competitive, fun walk through a beautiful Texas Hill Country ranch. There are two walking routes, and anyone who wants to participate can choose either the 3-mile or the 6-mile course. At the end of the scenic walk, there are prizes and refreshments for all participants. If I was going to be in that neighborhood, I wouldn't miss it! The only requisite is to pre-register by October 1st, which is next week. To learn more about this event you can call Bill Armwood at (210) 921-7455 or Carrie Medina at (210) 921-7838. *_* "Of all exercises walking is the best." - Thomas Jefferson *_* Don't forget to write! ~ Gayle
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Copyright
2004 Gayle S. Johnson. All Rights Reserved. or click
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