What is Tinea Pedis? Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a condition of the skin on the feet caused by a fungus. You can get this kind of fungal infection from dermatophytes, which are living organisms that live on skin. Because these fungi like warm, damp places, the feet are a great place for an infection to develop. What are the most common locations for Tinea Pedis? The affected areas vary from person to person, and the severity of the infection impacts the level of involvement. Proper hygiene, keeping feet dry, and avoiding contact with surfaces that are contaminated can all help prevent ..read more

Extermit-EASE The EXTREMIT-EASE compression garment provides 30-50 mmHg of therapeutic compression and has an innovative design that employs zippers and bungees with large tabs.  This unique design results in a garment that improves compliance as it is much easier to apply and take off compared to more traditional compression options. GRADIENT COMPRESSION WRAP – Delivers 30-50 mmHg therapeutic compression intended for the management of mild-to-moderate swelling from lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, acute postoperative edema, and other swelling disorders. Please no ..read more

New Coding When Caring For a Complex Condition HCPCS G2211 – Visit complexity inherent to evaluation and management associated with medical care services that serve as the continuing focal point for all needed health care services and/or with medical care services that are part of ongoing care related to a patient’s single, serious condition or a complex condition[1] When To Use This code may be submitted when an office or other outpatient evaluation and management (E&M) service is performed and that E&M is: Part of providing all needed health care services for that patient And/or P ..read more

In the realm of healthcare, setting up a wound care clinic isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about a strategic location that makes all the difference. The address you choose isn’t merely a dot on the map; it’s a crucial factor that determines accessibility, visibility, and growth potential. In healthcare, accessibility is paramount. Your clinic must be located where patients can reach it with ease. This consideration is even more critical for individuals facing mobility challenges or managing chronic conditions. For these patients, the convenience of your clinic’s location can signif ..read more

When providing Durable Medical Equipment (DME) to Medicare Part B beneficiaries, there are certain situations where an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) may be required.  An ABN should be issued to a patient prior to providing DME that is usually covered by Medicare, but is not covered in this particular instance.  In this situation, the ABN should be issued to the patient prior to delivery or dispensing, allowing the patient enough time to decide that they wish to accept financial responsibility. Example Coverage for the EXTREMIT-EASE® Compression Garment by AMERX Health Care fal ..read more

AMERX Health Care previously shared some of the threats to coverage for skin substitute services in the following blog posts: Skin Substitute Services Under Attack (Aug. 17, 2022) Limits to Skin Substitutes Continue to Grow (Jun 21, 2023) Now, some of those have shifted from threats to reality. New Policies Regarding Skin Substitutes On August 3, 2023, Novitas, First Coast Service Options, and CGS Part B Medicare Administrative Contractors all finalized skin substitute policies for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers that become effective September 17, 2023.  ..read more

The EXTREMIT-EASE® Compression Garment from AMERX Health Care accomplishes compression with a much easier application for patients than more traditional options.  Patients also appreciate the comfort of EXTREMIT-EASE and tolerate wearing it more than other compression options. Keep reading to find out why debridement is required with EXTREMIT-EASE. Guidelines EXTREMIT-EASE accomplishes gradient compression.  It is considered a “surgical dressing,” and its coverage is outlined in the DMEMAC Surgical Dressings policy [1], [2].  Coverage of EXTREMIT-EASE requires documentation of ..read more

The EXTREMIT-EASE® Compression Garment from AMERX Health Care accomplishes compression with a much easier application for patients than more traditional options.  Patients also appreciate the comfort of EXTREMIT-EASE and tolerate wearing it more than other compression options. Keep reading to find out why debridement is required with EXTREMIT-EASE compression. Guidelines EXTREMIT-EASE accomplishes gradient compression, is considered a “surgical dressing,” and its coverage is outlined in the DMEMAC Surgical Dressings policy [1], [2].  Coverage of EXTREMIT-EASE requires documentation ..read more

As a medical assistant, you play a vital role in your clinic. You are the doctor’s right hand. They cannot run a successful wound care practice without you! Wound care is one of the most rewarding things that you can do. Wounds that do not successfully heal can quickly turn into amputations, and patients with an amputation have a 50% chance of dying within five years. By helping the doctor in the wound care process, you are not only saving someone’s limb, but you are potentially saving someone’s life! Provide Reassurance Be cheerful and encourage your patients. This can be a lengthy process a ..read more

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented a nationwide policy concerning the surgical treatment of nails. This policy establishes utilization parameters regarding the use of CPT®1 11730, 11732, and 11750. The policy states: A medically reasonable and necessary repeat CPT 11730 / 11732 of the same nail within 32 weeks of a previous avulsion will be considered upon redetermination. AND A medically reasonable and necessary repeat CPT 11750 of the same nail within the patient’s lifetime will be considered upon redetermination. When is a Repeat Procedure Medic ..read more