Billing and Coding: Routine Foot Care and Debridement of Nails

Routine foot care services (corns/calluses removal, nail trimming/debridement, paring/shaving, hygienic maintenance) are generally excluded from Medicare coverage unless they are part of otherwise covered services or exceptions apply. Exceptions include documented systemic conditions (metabolic, neurologic, peripheral vascular) meeting specified Class A/B/C findings, specific criteria for mycotic toenail debridement (systemic disease with modifier or documented antifungal review or functional impairment/infection), and patients with diabetic sensory neuropathy with LOPS who are eligible for foot evaluation up to every six months; precise clinical documentation and required billing elements (ICD-10, referring NPI, appropriate modifiers) must be maintained.

"Treatment of warts (including plantar warts) on the foot is covered to the same extent as wart treatment at other anatomic sites."