Re: NIGHT SPLINTS

Re: NIGHT SPLINTS

Dawn

6/15/2005

----- Original Message -----
From: Dawn < <Email Address Redacted> >
To: < <Email Address Redacted> >
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2005 11:07 AM
Subject: [OANDP-L] NIGHT SPLINTS

THE REPLIES INCLUDED (2) WHO SAID THEY USE L1930, (ONE ADDS ON L2820);
SELF PAY ITEM FOR NIGHT USE ON AMBULATORY PATIENTS; AND LAST, BUT NOT LEAST,

Dawn,
Basically you are screwed. Parden my orthotic French, but L4398 REQUIRES a
diagnosis of ankle contracture in order to be paid. If it's simple flacid
drop foot, you almost have to use L1930, off the shelf AFO. We billed L4398
several times for the same brace as you before calling Medicare and being
told about the contracture diagnosis requirement for this code. Too bad,
it's fair and reasonable for a night splint. Explain this to the doctors
prescribing the night splint. Isn't plantar faccitits a contracture of the
plantar facia????? It is now.

THANKS MUCH TO ALL WHO REPLIED!

ORIGINAL QUESTION:
I'M INTERESTED IN WHAT CODE FACILITIES ARE USING FOR NIGHT SPLINTS WHEN
BILLING MEDICARE. I FIND THE LANGUAGE IN THE DMERC REGION D MANUAL
CONFUSING. IS L4398 TO BE USED ONLY WITH PATIENTS WHO ARE
NON-AMBULATORY--OR--WHEN THE BRACE IS USED ONLY WHEN THE PATIENT IS NOT
AMBULATING?

HAS ANYONE BILLED MEDICARE FOR L4398 FOR A PATIENT WITH PLANTAR FASCITIS?
IF SO, WHAT WERE THE RESULTS?

THANKS
DAWN
ARTISAN O/P TECHNOLOGIES