
Podiatry CPT Codes 2025 – A Complete Billing Guide for Foot & Ankle Specialists
Accurate use of Podiatry CPT Codes is essential for foot and ankle specialists who want to maintain steady revenue flow while staying compliant with payer requirements. As podiatrists handle everything from nail debridement to complex reconstructive procedures, proper coding ensures each service is billed correctly and reimbursed without denials.
We simplify this process, handling your podiatry medical billing so you can stay focused on patient care instead of claim errors.
What Are Podiatry CPT Codes?
Podiatry CPT Codes are standardized five-digit numbers used to report medical, surgical, and diagnostic services related to the foot, ankle, and lower extremities.
Each CPT code helps insurers identify exactly what service was performed, ensuring accurate reimbursement.
These codes are updated annually by the American Medical Association (AMA), and it’s crucial to use the latest versions to avoid denials or claim rejections.
Common Podiatry CPT Codes for 2025
CPT Code | Description | Billing Tips |
11721 | Debridement of nails, 6 or more | Use for severe onychomycosis or dystrophic nails; document clearly. |
11055 | Paring or cutting of benign hyperkeratosis lesion (1 lesion) | Bill per lesion; use modifiers if multiple. |
20550 | Injection(s); single tendon sheath or ligament | Often used for plantar fasciitis or tendonitis cases. |
73630 | X-ray, foot, complete, minimum 3 views | Ensure proper documentation for medical necessity. |
28285 | Correction, hammertoe (single toe) | Include laterality modifier (-LT or -RT). |
99213 | Office/outpatient visit, established patient | Pair with a modifier (e.g., -25) if billed with a procedure. |
Routine Foot Care - CPT 11720 and 11721
The majority of podiatric procedure billing revolves around routine foot care. It is imperative to correctly differentiate between the codes used for nail debridement and trimming.
CPT Code | Description | Key Difference |
11720 | Debridement of 1 to 5 nails | Less common |
11721 | Debridement of 6 or more nails | Most common Routine Foot Care CPT Codes |
Why Accurate Coding important in Podiatry
Incorrect podiatry CPT coding can cause:
- Lost reimbursements
- Increased claim rejections
- Audit risks from over- or under-billing
Express MBS provides end-to-end podiatry billing services including code verification, denial management, and compliance review to keep your cash flow steady and stress-free.
The Critical Role of Podiatry Modifiers
Routine foot care is often subject to strict coverage rules, particularly from Medicare. That’s why proper use of Podiatry Modifiers is essential for getting paid. You must understand the specific rules for high-risk patients:
- Modifier -Q8 (High Risk): Used when the patient has a condition (e.g., qualifying systemic disease) with a Class B finding.
- Modifier -Q9 (Medium Risk): Used when the patient has a condition (e.g., qualifying systemic disease) with a Class C finding.
Knowing when to use modifier -Q8 vs -Q9 for routine foot care? Is key to signaling medical necessity and ensuring proper coverage for the service.
How Express MBS Supports Podiatry Practices
We help podiatry clinics improve reimbursement accuracy and efficiency by offering:
If denials are high and internal resources are stretched, a specialized billing service can be invaluable. Look for companies that offer a Podiatry Coding Audit Free this allows you to see their impact on your revenue cycle risk-free before you decide to Hire Podiatry Billing Company long-term.
- CPT and ICD-10 coding expertise for foot and ankle conditions
- End-to-end revenue cycle management (RCM)
- Claims scrubbing and real-time tracking
- Denial prevention and appeal management
- HIPAA-compliant operations
Whether you’re managing a single-provider practice or a multi-location podiatry center, Express MBS gives you the confidence that your billing is handled with precision and transparency.
Final Thoughts
Accurate podiatry CPT coding is key to maintaining your practice’s financial stability. With the right coding knowledge and support from Express MBS, podiatrists can eliminate billing errors, ensure compliance, and achieve consistent revenue growth.
Let us handle the complex side of billing. So you can focus on healing feet and restoring mobility.
Ready to Simplify Your Podiatry Billing? Partner with Express MBS today to experience faster reimbursements and zero-stress claims management.
Contact us to schedule a free billing audit.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always refer to current AMA CPT code guidelines and payer rules before billing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CPT codes 11719, 11720, and 11721 are frequently used for nail trimming and debridement procedures.
Use modifier -25 to indicate that a significant, separately identifiable E/M service was provided in addition to the procedure.
Yes, if both services are medically necessary and properly documented. Use modifier -59 to differentiate.
We reduce denials, optimize reimbursements, and manage all aspects of podiatry billing, giving you more time for patient care.


