The October Readiness Master Checklist (ICD‑10, HCPCS, CPT Preview)
October 1 flips the switch on ICD‑10‑CM FY 2026 and the Q4 HCPCS file. CPT changes don’t go live until January 1, 2026, but Q4 is when wise practices get ready. Use this master checklist to keep your podiatry billing clean and compliant. Systems & data • Import FY 2026 ICD‑10‑CM and Q4 HCPCS tables; […]
Deep Dive: Ulcer & Injury Coding Precision for Foot and Ankle in FY 2026
October’s diagnosis update isn’t just a file refresh; it’s an invitation to level up clinical specificity—the difference between smooth payments and needless denials. Non‑pressure ulcers (L97‑): how to pick the right code every time • Anatomic site is king: Choose among heel/midfoot/other part of foot/ankle and add laterality. Your note should state the exact site […]
Wound Care in Q4: Skin Substitutes Delayed, Documentation Tightened
If your practice treats diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs), the last 18 months have been a moving target. October doesn’t launch the new national skin substitute/CTP coverage policies after all—their effective date is delayed to January 1, 2026. That’s breathing room, but it’s also a warning to elevate documentation now. […]
CPT in October? Here’s What Really Changes (and What Doesn’t)
Every October brings ICD‑10 updates—but CPT is different. Most CPT code changes take effect January 1 each year. So what should a podiatry practice actually do in October 2025 about CPT? Prepare, preview, and pre‑train. What’s actually new in the CPT world • CPT 2026 code set released in September: The AMA publishes the upcoming CPT […]
ICD‑10‑CM FY 2026 Went Live October 1:What Podiatry Must Do Now
Effective date: October 1, 2025. That’s when the FY 2026 ICD‑10‑CM diagnosis code set takes effect for all outpatient encounters and inpatient discharges through September 30, 2026. If your podiatry practice isn’t ready, denials will spike and cash flow will lag. Below is a practical, podiatry‑focused roadmap that blends coding accuracy, documentation upgrades, and front‑office […]
Foot & Ankle Surgery Billing: Navigating Global Periods, Modifiers, and Post-Op Visits
Foot and ankle surgeries—from bunion corrections to fracture repairs—require precise billing to avoid lost revenue. One of the biggest challenges is understanding how global surgical periods impact reimbursement. Understanding Global Periods Each surgery CPT code has a global period—0, 10, or 90 days—during which related post-op visits are bundled with the procedure payment. For example: […]
How to Bill for Orthotics in Podiatry: Codes, Coverage, and Patient Communication
Custom orthotics are a core part of podiatric care—but getting paid for them can be tricky. Many practices either under-bill or fail to capture revenue altogether because of unclear payer rules. Orthotic Device Codes Be sure to bill per foot when applicable and include modifiers if required. Coverage Challenges Documentation Requirements Tips to Reduce Rejections […]
Podiatry Wound Care Billing: How to Code, Document, and Get Paid Faster
Wound care is one of the most common—and complex—services podiatrists provide. Proper billing and coding are essential for timely reimbursement and to avoid costly denials. Why Wound Care Billing Matters Chronic foot wounds, diabetic ulcers, and pressure sores are time-intensive to treat. If documentation or coding is incomplete, payers may reject the claim, delaying payment […]
Outsourcing vs. In-House Billing: What’s Best for Your Podiatry Practice in 2026?
Managing billing in-house used to be the norm for podiatry practices. But as coding rules become more complex and staff costs continue to rise, many providers are rethinking the way they handle revenue cycle management. So what’s the better choice in 2025: outsourcing or keeping it internal? In-House Billing: The Pros and Cons Pros: Cons: […]
Top 7 Podiatry Billing Mistakes That Are Costing Your Practice Thousands
Billing errors in podiatry are more common than many practices realize—and they can be costly. From denied claims to lost reimbursements, even small mistakes can have a big financial impact. If your billing team isn’t laser-focused on accuracy, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table every month. Here are seven of the […]