Billing for Follow-up Podiatry Patients Requiring Orders
Yes, you can bill for a patient who returns to the facility for follow-up care from podiatry if you need to put in orders, as this constitutes a medically necessary service requiring physician intervention.
Billing Justification for Podiatry Follow-up Visits
- When a patient returns for podiatry follow-up and requires new or modified orders, this represents a clinical decision point that warrants billing for the service provided 1
- The comprehensive diabetes medical evaluation framework supports billing for follow-up visits that involve reviewing treatment plans, medication adjustments, and care coordination 1
- Podiatric follow-up care is considered part of the standard components in diabetes care, particularly for patients with foot complications 1
Documentation Requirements to Support Billing
- Document the medical necessity for the orders being placed (e.g., wound care needs, medication adjustments, diagnostic tests) 1
- Include assessment of the patient's current foot condition, including any signs of infection, ischemia, or wound progression 1
- Record any changes in the patient's condition that necessitated the new orders 1
- Document the clinical decision-making process that led to the orders being placed 1
Types of Orders That Support Billing
- Orders for wound care supplies or treatments for diabetic foot ulcers 1
- Medication prescriptions for infection management 1, 2
- Diagnostic testing orders (e.g., imaging, laboratory tests) 1
- Referrals to specialists for advanced care needs 1
- Orders for therapeutic interventions (e.g., offloading devices, specialized dressings) 1
Clinical Scenarios That Justify Billing
- Patient with diabetic foot ulcer requiring adjustment to wound care regimen 1
- Patient with signs of new or worsening infection requiring antibiotic therapy 1, 2
- Patient with unstable foot condition requiring more frequent monitoring or intervention 1
- Patient transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care requiring coordination of services 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Billing for services when no significant medical decision-making or orders were required 1
- Insufficient documentation of the medical necessity for the orders placed 1
- Failing to document the patient's current condition and clinical status 1
- Not specifying how the orders relate to the patient's podiatric condition 1
Telehealth Considerations
- Telehealth follow-up visits for podiatric care are billable when orders are placed, particularly in circumstances where in-person visits are limited 1, 3
- Document that the telehealth visit included assessment and clinical decision-making that resulted in orders being placed 4, 3
- Ensure proper documentation of time spent and medical necessity for telehealth services 3
By following these guidelines and ensuring proper documentation of medical necessity, you can appropriately bill for follow-up podiatry visits that require physician orders, which supports continuity of care and helps prevent complications in patients with foot conditions 1, 5.