Replies - SMO code

Replies - SMO code

Paul Boland, CPO

9/27/2000

For those of you who are interested; here were the replies to the SMO codes:
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Use an L1930 or L1940. An SMO is an AFO. It involves the ankle and foot.
It doesn't
matter that it only comes just above the ankle as long as it does come
above the
ankle. The L1940 may be more appropriate because of the custom aspect.
The L1930 is
a custom fitted orthosis. I'm just pulling these off the top of my head so
check them
out for yourself.
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I use the L1960 or L1940 base code if I'm trying to provide extra ankle
m/l stability and L3000 if I'm only providing subtalar control. If I need to
add padding at the navicular or malleolli I will use the L2820 interface code.
I don't charge for control straps on SMOs but use L2270 if I need to control
varus/valgus or tight heel cords on my AFOs.
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I use L 1960 for the base code
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n SMO is an AFO, no matter how you slice it. Use L1960 or L1970 as
appropriate.
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Unfortunately there was a ruling that SMO's are not AFO's and must be billed
as UCBL's. To be billed as an AFO the device must be calf height.

I think this was driven by some abuse where off-the-shelf SMO's like the
aircast were being billed as AFO's under the rational that they were ankle
and foot orthoses.
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L-1960
L-2820
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Stephanie, in this area an SMO is coded as just an AFO L1940 and is
referred to as a low profile AFO with SMO timlines.
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We have been using L1940-AFO molded to patient model.
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I've used L1904



Thanks for all the replies.