A response to post by Jeffrey Kass, DPM on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Dr. Kass responded to the post from Dr. David Freedman about the question that was posed to “The Coding Helpline” on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The bottom line is that, per CMS rules and regulations, one cannot be reimbursed for the debridement of a toenail on the same toe that an HPK is pared, if the HPK is located on or distal to the distal interphalangeal joint (i.e., DIPJ).

—Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC, CSFAC, COCS, CPODCS, CMSCS                    

A recent posting in another podiatry publication advocated for use as an off-loading device for foot ulcers and their prior authorization, leading to the questions, Can you confirm this is correct? I thought CAM walkers were not covered for offloading? If so why must I obtain pre-authorization?

You are correct that CAM boots and AFOs, except for a CROW Boot L4631, are statutorily non-covered for off-loading foot ulcers. The underlying condition causing the ulcer may be covered. For example…

—Paul Kesselman, DPM

To submit a response, email [email protected].

On September 5, APMA submitted comments on a proposed DME MAC Local Coverage Determination (LCD) addressing Medicare coverage of topical oxygen therapy (TOT) for certain non-healing diabetic foot ulcers. APMA welcomed the proposed coverage criteria, particularly the inclusion of multiple methods for assessing arterial perfusion, and recommended adding near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as an additional assessment option.

Members can read all APMA comment letters at www.apma.org/commentletters.

Source: APMA

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.

Editor’s Note: This is part 2 of a two-part article. Part 1 appeared in the August 2026 issue.

In part one of this article, I introduced the following case study and the steps a DPM would take in reviewing, documenting, and coding the patient’s care. Let’s look at a clinical example for some comparisons between E/M billing, debridement, and most importantly, explain more about time elements.

Corporate ownership is influencing how physicians practice. Among the key findings from the 2026 PAI Employed Physician Survey of 1,003 employed physicians is that 82 percent of physicians are now employed by hospitals or other corporate entities. Furthermore, most employed physicians feel pressure to put their employer's priorities ahead of what they believe is best for patients.

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:

A Marit Health report analyzed more than 24,400 anonymous salary and schedule surveys from full-time physicians to create the Lifestyle Balance Index. It includes five factors that impact lifestyle: average weekly hours, schedule quality based on the proportion of weekday, day-shift, and shorter-shift work, call burden, percent clinical time, and average annual PTO. Each factor was normalized so that 1.0 represented the all-specialty average. With a score of 1.14, podiatry ranked 14th out of 36 sub-specialties.

Source: Becker’s Clinical Leadership

You face heightened scrutiny when billing skin substitutes and other high-cost biologics. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services created Unified Program Integrity Contractor audits to detect fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid by combining data analysis, medical review, investigations, and site visits (Compliancy Group). A disciplined UPIC audit defense depends on clear documentation, proactive compliance reviews, a structured response plan, and timely legal guidance. Follow these five steps to reduce recoupment risk and defend your practice:

Source: Vitale Health Law

PM Pulse wants to hear from you! Submit your questions, concerns, and opinions to [email protected] to share and receive feedback from your colleagues and peers about all aspects of the podiatry sector. All submissions must meet our standards for professionalism and decorum, and submissions may be edited for length and clarity. Still have questions? Send us an email.

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].

We want to get your thoughts on our exciting new direction, and we’d love to hear your ideas about the topics, programs, content, and people you’d like to see more of on this page and in Podiatry Management magazine.