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 most common podiatry billing mistakes and how to avoid them:

  1. Misusing Modifiers (Especially 25 and 59)Modifiers clarify the services rendered, but when used incorrectly—such as Modifier 25 for E/M services or Modifier 59 to bypass edits—they often trigger denials. Always ensure your documentation supports the use of any modifier.
  2. Incomplete Documentation for Routine Foot CareRoutine foot care is a frequent target for audits. If you’re billing for services like nail debridement or callus removal, your notes must clearly show medical necessity, especially for patients with systemic conditions like diabetes.
  3. Billing for Non-Covered ServicesPayers often update their lists of covered and non-covered services. Submitting claims for services not covered under the patient’s plan will lead to denials unless the patient signed an ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice) beforehand.
  4. Incorrect Use of Diagnosis CodesPairing the wrong ICD-10 code with a CPT code is a surefire way to get denied. For podiatry, specificity matters—including laterality (left vs. right) and condition stage.
  5. Missing Timely Filing DeadlinesEach payer has different rules about how long you have to submit a claim. Delays in documentation, coding, or claim submission can lead to permanent loss of reimbursement.
  6. Overlooking Secondary InsuranceFailing to coordinate benefits between primary and secondary insurance results in delays and missed payments. Ensure staff checks for multiple active policies and submits claims in the correct order.
  7. Not Following Up on Denied ClaimsDenied doesn’t mean dead. Many claims can be recovered with a timely appeal. Having a system in place to review and resubmit denials is essential for maximizing revenue.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common billing pitfalls can significantly improve your podiatry practice’s financial health. If you’re tired of losing money due to billing errors, A Step Above Health offers expert podiatry billing services to help you get paid faster and more accurately.

Schedule your free billing assessment today and discover what your practice might be missing