<img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2005-06_06/salmon.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> The future of your practice depends on knowledgeable billing and collection information. Understanding the full aspect of billing guidelines and procedures will effectively increase your reimbursement. This informative column will help providers and their staffwith a better understanding of billing procedures and reimbursement strategies. <b><i>Q: For Medicare purposes, are we allowed to accept assignment for some items and not for others? We have been under the impression that it is either all or nothing.</i></b> <b>A:</b> If your status with Medicare is non-participating, then you can choose whether to accept assignment on a claim-by-claim basis. If you are participating, then you must accept assignment on all claims. If you are not sure of your status, you may contact your DMERC. Your DMERC can let you know your current status with it. <i><b>Q: The podiatrist I work for has just started billing for custom-molded therapeutic shoes and inserts. I know the codes I use for billing, but I am not sure of the modifiers. Please advise me on the correct coding. Also, with code L-4396, do I use KX and RT or LT?</b></i> <b>A:</b> When billing A-5501 and K-0629, you use the KX modifier. For K-0629, you need to bill two units for each pair of inserts you provide. When billing L-4396, you use either the RT or LT modifier only. <b><i>Q: How would a provider of O&P services know what specialty code should be on file with DMERC? Do you have a list of the codes with their descriptions?</i></b> <b>A:</b> Qualified specialties and their codes are listed as follows: Medical Supply Company with Orthotics Personnel (51), Medical Supply Company with Prosthetics Personnel (52), Medical Supply Company with Orthotics and Prosthetics Personnel (53), Orthotics Personnel (55), Prosthetics Personnel (56), Orthotics Personnel, Prosthetics Personnel, and Pedorthists (57). <i>We invite readers to ask any questions you may have regarding billing, collections, or any other information. To send your questions or for more information, contact: <a href="mailto:lisa@westernmediallc.com">lisa@westernmediallc.com</a></i> <i>Acc-Q-Data provides billing, collections, and practice management software, serving the O&P industry nationwide for over a decade. For more information contact <a href="mailto:lsalmon@acc-q-data.com">lsalmon@acc-q-data.com</a></i> <i>Lisa Lake-Salmon is Executive Vice President, Acc-Q-Data, Inc.</i>
