STANDARDS,
SPECIFIC DETAILS
& JEOPARDY
the consequence of error. The unrealistic standards in HCPCS coding do not allow coordination between suppliers and consumers. For
a supplier, this is an absolutely unnecessary
risk. Some reasonable advice, don’t guess and
don’t gamble. Carefully read HCPCS coding before you accept an order. Do not fulfill
requests for unspecified products. The risk is
too high to proceed.
The de facto HCPCS Level II orthotic and
prosthetic procedures codes grossly lack
standardization. The Level II orthotic and
prosthetic procedures codes are a powerful
force derived intact from the obsolete informal
conventions of a long extinct shoe industry.
We are in a 21st century economy. The ab-
sence of viable HCPCS Level II standards
requires immediate address. Viable standards
are necessary. Consumers must know what
they are asking for. Producers must be able
to produce goods without undue risk. These
problems are correctable.
The people who use an item or service, or
specify it (procedure codes, government, industry, etc.), have a responsibility to justify the
standards they use. Specify technically correct
coding, establish the standards, and utilize
codes correctly.
Producers need to be involved in preparing
and correcting coding. Become an active part
of the regulatory process. People in business
have to be involved. You are obligated to your
"People in business have to be involved. You are obligated to your
dependents and clients. Become an essential part of the process."
32
Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org
Photo from: @iStockphoto.com/robertprzybysz
"Some reasonable advice, don’t guess
and don’t gamble. Carefully read HCPCS
coding before you accept an order."