Medicare Blog

how do i code nail cutting for medicare

by Miss Emely Larson Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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G0127 is to used when you are trimming Dystrophic Nails. 11719 is for trimming of Non-dystrophic nails. The same coverage guidelines for Medicare apply to both codes. As far as a DX code, for routine nail trimming (non-covered), look at 703.8 - Hypertrophic nails - basically, long nails.

Full Answer

What is the CPT code for nail removal?

Treatment of a simple uncomplicated or asymptomatic aberrant growing nail by removal of a nail spicule, not requiring local anesthesia, is considered to be routine foot care when the involved nail is on the foot. Routine foot care should not be billed with codes 11730, 11732, 11750 or 11765.

Does Medicare cover nail clipping?

Medicare doesn’t normally cover nail clipping or any kind of routine foot care. You’re correct that diabetes mellitus is one of the medical conditions that may justify coverage — but only if:

What is the DX code for trimming fingernails?

As far as a DX code, for routine nail trimming (non-covered), look at 703.8 - Hypertrophic nails - basically, long nails. Hope this is helpful.

Can the removal of a small piece of the nail be reported?

The removal of a small piece of the nail should not be reported with CPT code 11765. In order for payment to be considered, the nail being treated must be identified using one of the following modifiers.

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Does Medicare pay for toenail cutting?

The cutting of toenails in a healthy person or when they are not painful is not a payable service by Medicare. The cutting of corns and calluses in a healthy person is not a payable service by Medicare. Legally, your podiatrist cannot try to obtain Medicare payment for noncovered foot care.

What is the ICD 10 code for routine nail trimming?

G0127 is to used when you are trimming Dystrophic Nails. 11719 is for trimming of Non-dystrophic nails.

What is the CPT code for nail trimming?

For nail trimming or clippings, the CPT code is 11719 – Trimming of nondystrophic nails, any number. However most insurance companies don't' reimburse for this CPT code.

How do I bill 11721 to Medicare?

Procedure Code 11720 or 11721 are included in Medicare's covered foot care when billed with a diagnosis pertaining to debridement of nail. Refer to the Diagnosis Code List. Procedure Code G0127 is included in Medicare's covered foot care when billed with a diagnosis pertaining to dystrophic nails.

How do I bill Medicare for routine foot care?

Generally, routine foot care is excluded from coverage. Services that normally are considered routine and not covered by Medicare can be found in Publication Number 100-02 Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15 Covered Medical and Other Health Services, Section 290.2 Routine Foot Care.

Is CPT 11056 covered by Medicare?

For callus care 11055 and 11056 are they covered under medicare if they only have neuropathy as a diagnosis. For the removal of corns and calluses, neuropathy is one of the covered systemic conditions covered by Medicare.

What is the difference between 11719 and 11720?

11719 applies when the nails are void of defects from nutritional or metabolic abnormalities. (in other words - healthy). 11720-11721 includes trimming and shaping of the nails as well as debridement.

What is the difference between G0127 and 11719?

Debridement of nails, Routine Foot Care). If the toenails are documented as dystrophic, the appropriate code to bill is HCPCS Level II code G0127. If the toenails are documented as non-dystrophic or essentially “normal” toenails, the appropriate code to bill is CPT code 11719.

Can you bill G0127 and 11719?

CPT codes 11719, 11721 & G0127 should not be billed together to avoid inclusive denials If the insurance company denies the claim even when the modifier is billed correctly, CCI (Correct Coding Initiative) edits should be checked and appealed with appropriate medical records.

Is nail debridement covered by Medicare?

Medicare will cover debridement of nail(s) by any method(s); 1 to 5 and/or debridement of nail(s) by any method(s); 6 or more no more often than every 60 days.

What is a GY modifier used for?

GY Modifier: This modifier is used to obtain a denial on a non-covered service. Use this modifier to notify Medicare that you know this service is excluded.

What are podiatry CPT codes?

These routine foot care services are defined and reported with the following procedure codes: 11055, 11056, 11057, 11719, 11720, 11721, G0127, and G0247.

General Information

CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.

Article Guidance

Refer to the Novitas Local Coverage Determination (LCD) L34887, Surgical Treatment of Nails, for reasonable and necessary requirements. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)/Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code (s) may be subject to National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits.

ICD-10-CM Codes that Support Medical Necessity

It is the provider’s responsibility to select codes carried out to the highest level of specificity and selected from the ICD-10-CM code book appropriate to the year in which the service is rendered for the claim (s) submitted.

ICD-10-CM Codes that DO NOT Support Medical Necessity

All those not listed under the "ICD-10Codes that Are Covered” section of this article.

Bill Type Codes

Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type.

Revenue Codes

Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination.

How to keep nail trimmers clean?

shower. • Keep all your trimming tools clean by washing or wiping them with rubbing alcohol. • Make sure your hands and feet are clean before and after trimming. • Cut your toenails straight across, do not cut into the curve around the end of the nail. • Avoid cutting the skin and do not cut calluses.

Why is it so hard to cut your fingernails?

As people get older, paying attention to good health and hygiene becomes even more important. Simple routine tasks, like cutting your fingernails and toenails, can become difficult or even impossible if you have impaired vision or a problem with mobility.

Why is it important to trim your toenails?

Why Proper Toenail Trimming is Important. If your toenails are not taken care of, they may cause injury by scratching or puncturing your skin, breaking off and exposing delicate skin under the nail, or by tearing off because of snagging on clothing or other materials .

Is it safe to go to a nail salon?

If you choose to visit a nail salon, be sure that it is a reputable one, your pedicurist is experienced, and that the equipment they use is sterilized. If you have diabetes or other health issues, it is safest to visit a podiatrist for your routine foot care.

Does Medicare cover nail trimming?

If you are covered by Original Medicare Part B (medical insurance) or have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) policy, you may have coverage for nail trimming and other types of foot care. While Medicare Part B insurance does not generally cover routine foot care services which may include toenail clipping or corn and callus removal, ...

What is the CPT code for 11719?

The approximate date when the beneficiary was last seen by the M.D., D.O., who diagnosed the complicating condition (attending physician) must be reported in an 8-digit (MM/DD/YYYY) format in Item 19 of the CMS-1500 claim form or the electronic equivalent or if the patient sees their primary care physician no later than 30 days after the services were furnished.

Is foot care routine or routine?

The presence of a systemic condition such as metabolic, neurologic, or peripheral vascular disease may require scrupulous foot care by a professional that in the absence of such condition(s) would be considered routine ( and, therefore, excluded from coverage). Accordingly, foot care that would otherwise be considered routine may be covered when systemic condition(s) result in severe circulatory embarrassment or areas of diminished sensation in the individual’s legs or feet.

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