10/23/2017

Correct Billing for CPT Codes 29540 & 20550-AARP

I am currently getting denials for code 29540 (strapping foot/ankle) when billed with code 20550 (injection plantar fascia). Billed separately they are both paid but billed together with ICD-10 M72.2 they deny the 29540 as bundled in the injection code. Are they right or just trying to not pay!!

The strapping is not being paid by AARP (United Healthcare) because as per CCI edits, CPT 29540 is bundled with an injection, CPT 20550. The two codes will be paid on the same claim only if the following two conditions are met:

• Modifier-59 is appended on CPT 29540
• The strapping and injection have different diagnosis codes

If both of these conditions are not met, the service is being denied correctly by AARP.