Running a successful podiatry practice requires more than excellent patient care — it also means making sure your revenue cycle is healthy. Unfortunately, billing errors are one of the most common (and costly) issues podiatrists face. From improper modifier use to missed filing deadlines, these mistakes can slow reimbursements, increase denials, and drain staff time.
At JARALL Medical, we specialize in podiatry-specific billing solutions, and we see the same pitfalls affecting practices across the country. In this guide, we’ll cover the five most common podiatry billing mistakes and provide proven strategies to fix them.
1. Incorrect Modifier Usage
The Problem:
Podiatry claims often rely on the correct use of Q7, Q8, and Q9 modifiers to indicate the severity of a patient’s at-risk condition. Misusing or forgetting these modifiers is one of the top reasons insurers deny podiatry claims. Generic billing companies without podiatry expertise frequently struggle with this detail, leading to revenue loss.
The Fix:
– Train staff specifically on podiatry coding guidelines.
– Implement claim-scrubbing technology that flags missing or incorrect modifiers.
– Partner with a billing team (like JARALL) that works exclusively with podiatry and understands when each modifier should be applied.
When modifiers are used correctly, claims flow through faster and with fewer denials.
2. Missing or Incomplete Documentation
The Problem:
Payers require detailed documentation to justify the medical necessity of podiatry services. Missing chart notes, vague diagnoses, or incomplete treatment details can all result in claim rejections or post-payment audits. The most notable are claims for wound care.
The Fix:
– Adopt a structured documentation process that ensures all required details are captured before claims are submitted.
– Educate providers on linking diagnosis codes to specific treatments and procedures.
– Consider electronic health record (EHR) templates customized for podiatry.
At JARALL, we work with providers to identify documentation gaps proactively, preventing denials before they happen.
3. Coding Errors (ICD-10 and CPT)
The Problem:
Podiatry has highly specific codes that don’t always align neatly with broader medical billing practices. Using outdated ICD-10 codes, mismatched CPT codes, or unspecified codes instead of specific ones often leads to rejected claims and delayed payment.
The Fix:
– Stay current with annual ICD-10 and CPT code updates.
– Conduct regular internal audits of coding accuracy.
– Use podiatry-specific coding guides rather than generic reference materials.
– Outsource coding review to billing specialists at JARALL who focus exclusively on podiatry.
Accurate coding not only reduces denials but also protects your practice during audits.
4. Timely Filing Issues
The Problem:
Every payer has a filing deadline — sometimes as short as 90 days. Missed deadlines are one of the most preventable reasons podiatry claims go unpaid. Unfortunately, busy staff juggling scheduling, patient care, and front-desk duties often let claims slip through the cracks.
The Fix:
– Set up a billing calendar with reminders for payer deadlines.
– Automate claim submission whenever possible.
– Perform weekly audits to ensure all encounters have been billed.
– Use a billing partner who guarantees timely claim submission.
At JARALL, our system ensures claims are filed promptly, eliminating lost revenue due to avoidable delays.
5. Lack of Medical Necessity Detail
The Problem:
Insurers frequently deny podiatry claims because they don’t see enough evidence that the treatment was medically necessary. This often happens with routine foot care, debridement, or nail trimming, where coverage is limited to specific conditions.
The Fix:
– Document the patient’s qualifying conditions in detail (e.g., diabetes with peripheral neuropathy, vascular disease).
– Use correct diagnosis codes that demonstrate the medical necessity.
– Train staff and providers on payer-specific coverage rules.
A podiatry-focused billing partner can help align clinical documentation with payer requirements, ensuring your claims demonstrate the medical necessity clearly.
Why Podiatry-Specific Billing Expertise Matters
While these five billing mistakes are common, they are also avoidable. The challenge is that general billing services don’t always understand podiatry’s unique requirements. What seems like a small oversight to them — like a missing Q modifier or vague chart note — can result in thousands of dollars in lost revenue for your practice.
By working with a team that specializes in podiatry billing, you can:
✔️ Reduce claim denials
✔️ Speed up reimbursements
✔️ Stay compliant with payer and audit requirements
✔️ Give your staff more time to focus on patients instead of paperwork
That’s exactly what we do at JARALL Medical. Our team handles the complexity of billing so podiatrists can enjoy peace of mind and a healthier bottom line.
Final Thoughts
Billing mistakes can cost podiatry practices time, money, and unnecessary stress. But with the right processes — and the right partner — these issues can be fixed before they even happen.
If your practice is struggling with denials, delays, or compliance headaches, JARALL Medical is here to help. We specialize in podiatry-specific billing and revenue cycle management that delivers results.
🗓 Schedule your free consultation today and discover how we can help your practice reduce denials, improve cash flow, and get back to what matters most — patient care.