Question: When does a patient who has diabetes qualify for an E/M?

Response from Codinghelpline.com:

A new or established patient E/M (CPT 99202–CPT 99215) is appropriate when there is a distinct problem focused evaluation. For example, an initial evaluation of the patient, an evaluation of a new symptom or complication (ulcer, cellulitis, Charcot changes, new pain, non-healing wound, deformity, change in sensation etc.), or a change in the patient's condition, whether initial or existing, requiring more than the chief complaint of "I am diabetic", there must be a reason that includes a history of present illness, exam, and medical decision-making.

—David J Freedman, DPM, CPC, CSFAC, CPMA                       

Additional coding and billing questions and responses can be found at www.Codinghelpline.com   

I agree completely with Dr. Trentalis. [Click link and scroll down] Biomechanical treatments can resolve many problems without surgery, including back problems. And yes, patient response to low-dye strapping combined with heel pads are a great predictor of orthotic success. It also allows for patient buy-in to biomechanical treatment. 

—H. David Gottlieb, DPM

To submit a response, email [email protected].

Regarding the “Combatting Medicare Denials” thread [Click link and scroll down], CMS has ramped up fraud prevention by issuing new Medicare numbers to many beneficiaries. We have found it easiest to login to our Medicare contractor’s web portal (WPS in our case) and use the MBI lookup tool.  As long as you have the patient’s Social Security number you can find the new number. This has definitely increased in frequency in recent months. The rep gave you horrifically bad advice, as you most definitely should not just “keep billing the number you have.”

—Michael Orosz, DPM

To respond to this or add your own thoughts to the discussion, email [email protected].

It's Falls Prevention Awareness Week, and we've been asking some crucial questions.

Last week, we considered whether we are routinely screening our older patients for falls. Today, we're taking that conversation a step further.

You are selling your practice. You may or may not be retiring or relocating. The time to think about the things you need to do is months prior to the sale. You will want to work with an experienced healthcare attorney. A real estate attorney or a corporate attorney will not do, as there are unique considerations in a clinical practice that do not apply to other types of sales. This article is not intended to cover every aspect of closing or selling a podiatric practice.

Nearly half of the physicians who have stepped away from clinical practice before retirement point to administrative hassle as a leading reason, according to a 2026 national survey published in The Permanente Journal. 

Source: Medical Economics

You’re now receiving the podiatry sector’s newest source of timely and reliable information about everything from medical breakthroughs to practice management strategies. Share PM Pulse with your colleagues, and let us know how we can keep improving by emailing:

The American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS) will host DFCon 2026—its annual conference and the 26th edition of North America’s premier interdisciplinary diabetic foot conference—from October 22–24, 2026, at the JW Marriott Anaheim. 

Each year, DFCon brings together global leaders in limb preservation and diabetic foot care from across the United States and around the world who are dedicated to advancing limb preservation and improving outcomes for patients with diabetic foot complications. Registration is still open. More info at the link below.

Source: ALPS

The White House has dropped plans for an executive order that would have given federal officials greater authority over grant-making at the National Institutes of Health, Roll Call reported Sept. 23.

The order, being drafted by the Office of Management and Budget, would have created an external committee empowered to veto research grants that conflict with President Trump’s policy agenda, according to The New York Times. White House officials reportedly met earlier this week to discuss the potential order, which quickly drew pushback from key Senate appropriators.

Source: Becker’s Clinical Leadership

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Full-Time Chair—Department of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery

The Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine is seeking a full-time chair for the Department of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery. The chair will lead faculty, drive academic excellence, and oversee clinical experiences in a collaborative environment. Generous benefits! ($120K–$140K)

Contact: [email protected] or apply at https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/employment/

For more information about submitting a classified ad, click the button below, or email [email protected].

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