Q/A: Determine how to report Unna boot application, debridement
APCs Weekly Monitor, May 21, 2010
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Q. Our question pertains to Unna boot application. Is it true that we may not bill 29580 (strapping, Unna boot) for an Unna boot application if a provider performs a debridement? May we bill for E/M when we bill for an Unna boot application? Can you explain the correct way to report this particular scenario?
A. Reporting an Unna boot application with 29580 in addition to the appropriate E/M code would be appropriate in the following situation: The boot application is provided as an initial service with no expectation that the physician who rendered only the original care will perform another treatment or procedure.
In this situation, you should report application of the Unna boot code in addition to the appropriate E/M code.
Refer to CPT Assistant, December 2002, p. 11, for more information regarding the situation you describe in your question.
Editor’s note: This question and answer originally appeared in the May issue of APC Answer Letter.
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