Nurse visit with unna boot

We have a patient who is coming in several times a week for a unna boot change. On the days that only the nurse sees him & changes the unna boot, can she charge 29580 or can she only charge 99211?

re: Nurse visit with unna boot

I will say..bill 99211. But her documentation should indicate that the wound was inspected, the patient was questioned about symptoms and counseled on continuing care. She should also do vitals and chart that.

re: Nurse visit with unna boot

UNNA BOOTS
Covered as primary dressings. As such, covered in the management of ulcerations with or without inflammation due to venous insufficiency,as well as immobilization of ligamentous injuries (sprains) of the ankle, foot, and toes. They are NOT covered (under Medicare) for: fractures, dislocations, edema, venous insufficiency without ulceration, phlebitis, edema, varicose veins without ulceration, tendonitis, ischemic ulcers, neuropathic ulcers (i.e. no open wound). If only an Unna boot is applied and the wound is not debrided, then the Unna boot application is eligible for reimbursement (29580). You should never code for any supplies. Payers include the cost of all Unna boot bandages, straps and paste in their payment for 29580. Depending on the payer, 29580 links to diseases like varicose veins of lower extremities (454.0-454.2) and lower limb ulcers, except decubitus (707.10, 707.12-707.19). Some payers will take additional diagnoses, such as atherosclerosis of extremity with ulceration (440.23) or sprains and strains of the ankle and foot (845.00-845.19). Like always, you should report the diagnosis as per your physician's documentation.