On-DemandSpecialty Courses

The Podiatry Coding Professional: A Comprehensive Training Program

Podiatry coding covers everything from routine foot care to complex forefoot corrections, reconstructive surgery, wound care, and office procedures. Small differences in the documented technique or anatomical site can change which CPT code is supported, and coverage requirements bring another set of questions. This course is for experienced coders who want to understand what the podiatrist is describing instead of relying on the procedure heading alone. We will cover hallux and toe surgery, midfoot and hindfoot work, ankle procedures, fractures, diabetic foot care, wounds, and office services. Case reviews will focus on documented surgical work, applicable CPT and payer rules, and when a physician clarification is appropriate.

46 lessons

Webinar Objectives

Identify the foot and ankle anatomy that distinguishes podiatric procedures.
Recognize hallux, toe, midfoot, hindfoot, and ankle techniques described in documentation.
Follow documented site, laterality, fixation, wound depth, and affected area.
Recognize documented class findings and clinical indicators without making medical decisions.
Find the passages in operative reports and procedure notes that support a proposed CPT code.
Distinguish separately reportable work from services already included in another code.
Use current CPT instructions, coding guidance and applicable edits to check code selection.
Recognize missing, unclear or conflicting details that could affect coding accuracy.
Know when a physician clarification is needed and when the existing record is sufficient.
Explain coding decisions clearly to providers and clinical staff using the documented work.

Format & Logistics

Format: Self-paced, online

Curriculum: 10 modules, 16 instructional hours

Access period: 6 months from enrollment

Credential: Healthcare Inspired Certificate of Completion

Audience: Experienced medical coders, podiatry coders, coding auditors, documentation specialists and revenue integrity professionals

Recommended background: Working knowledge of CPT and ICD-10-CM coding

Completion requirements: All 10 modules viewed in full; all module practical applications completed; Module 1-9 assessments passed at 70% (125 questions total, unlimited retakes) to unlock each next module; Module 10 Final Competency Assessment (30 questions + 5 comprehensive operative report case reviews) passed at 80%

HCI documentation review method: IDENTIFY, UNDERSTAND, LOCATE, VALIDATE, CLARIFY

Regular tuition: $99. Included at no additional cost for Annual HCi members in a qualifying tier (Signature, Premier or Pinnacle) via your membership's specialty course redemptions.

Important Disclaimers

This course is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, compliance, or professional advice. Always consult your organization's legal counsel, compliance officer, or payer-specific guidance before applying any coding, billing, or documentation practice discussed here.

CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association (AMA). Healthcare Inspired is not affiliated with or endorsed by the AMA.

This course does not offer CEU credit on its own. HCi members have access to separate CEU-eligible live webinars and events as part of their membership, and this specialty course is included in qualifying HCi membership tiers.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Podiatry Documentation Analysis

Lesson 1.1: Your Role in Podiatry Coding

Lesson 1.2: Reading the Operative Report and Procedure Note

Lesson 1.3: Podiatric Terms That Change the Code

Lesson 1.4: Bones, Joints, Toes and Side

Lesson 1.5: Researching Podiatry Codes

Module 2: Foot & Ankle Anatomy and Routine Foot Care Documentation

Lesson 2.1: Foot Structures in Routine Foot Care

Lesson 2.2: Nail Trimming and Debridement

Lesson 2.3: Corns and Calluses

Lesson 2.4: Medicare Coverage for Routine Foot Care

Lesson 2.5: Class Findings and Q Modifiers

Module 3: Forefoot Surgical Documentation

Lesson 3.1: Forefoot Anatomy

Lesson 3.2: Bunion Correction

Lesson 3.3: Hallux Rigidus

Lesson 3.4: Hammertoes and Metatarsals

Lesson 3.5: Sesamoids and Included Steps

Module 4: Midfoot & Hindfoot Reconstruction Documentation

Lesson 4.1: Midfoot and Hindfoot Anatomy

Lesson 4.2: Fusions

Lesson 4.3: Osteotomies and Tendons

Lesson 4.4: Combining Procedures

Lesson 4.5: Three Reconstruction Cases

Module 5: Ankle Arthroscopy, Tendon & Ligament Documentation

Lesson 5.1: Ankle Arthroscopy

Lesson 5.2: Osteochondral Treatment

Lesson 5.3: Achilles and Ligaments

Lesson 5.4: Combined Procedures

Lesson 5.5: Three Ankle Cases

Module 6: Foot & Ankle Fracture and Trauma Documentation

Lesson 6.1: Treatment Types

Lesson 6.2: Fracture Rules and Dislocations

Lesson 6.3: Hardware and Office Care

Lesson 6.4: Three Trauma Cases

Module 7: Diabetic Foot, Wound Care & Amputation Documentation

Lesson 7.1: Debridement by Depth

Lesson 7.2: Area and Multiple Wounds

Lesson 7.3: Skin Substitutes and Offloading

Lesson 7.4: Amputations

Lesson 7.5: Diabetic Foot Documentation and Three Wound Cases

Module 8: Office Procedures, Injections, Orthotics & Supplies

Lesson 8.1: Nail and Drainage Procedures

Lesson 8.2: Injections and Drugs

Lesson 8.3: Casts, Strapping, and Orthotics

Lesson 8.4: Same-Day Visits and Three Office Procedure Cases

Module 9: Documentation Support, Coding Compliance & Physician Communication

Lesson 9.1: Documentation and Coverage

Lesson 9.2: Gaps and Queries

Lesson 9.3: Rationale and Compliance

Lesson 9.4: Documentation Review and Sample Query

Module 10: Advanced Podiatry Operative Report Analysis & Practical Application

Lesson 10.1: The Five-Step Process

Lesson 10.2: Routine Care, Office and Wound Review

Lesson 10.3: Surgical and Fracture Review

Lesson 10.4: Five Comprehensive Cases