Treatment & Solutions

CPT 11720 & 11721: Toenail Debridement Coding Explained

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Toenail debridement is a fancy way of saying “removing damaged or diseased parts of your toenail,” which can be necessary whether you have a fungus or bruised toenail. It’s a procedure podiatrists perform to relieve pain, address underlying conditions like fungal infections, and prevent further problems.

If you’re a healthcare provider performing this procedure, it’s essential to understand the proper coding and billing, especially when dealing with Medicare. Accurate coding ensures you get reimbursed correctly and stay compliant with regulations. Medicare, in particular, has specific guidelines for when they’ll cover toenail debridement.

In this article, we’ll break down the CPT codes you’ll use for toenail debridement, explain Medicare’s coverage policies, and outline the documentation you’ll need to ensure proper reimbursement.

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What is the Jublia Success Rate? A Deep Dive into Efficacy

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Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail, is more common than you might think. In fact, it affects between 8 and 14 percent of North Americans. Beyond being unsightly, onychomycosis can be painful and uncomfortable, and it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Fortunately, there are treatments available. One such treatment is Jublia (efinaconazole solution 10%), a topical antifungal medication designed to combat onychomycosis. Unlike oral medications, which can come with systemic side effects, Jublia offers a localized approach to tackling the infection.

But how effective is Jublia? This article dives into the heart of the matter, exploring the success rate of Jublia based on the data from clinical trials and long-term studies. We’ll examine both its efficacy and its safety profile, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect from this treatment option. So, just what is the success rate of Jublia?

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Itraconazole in Pregnancy: Dosage, Side Effects & Guidelines

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Itraconazole is an antifungal medication that doctors prescribe for serious fungal infections. It’s used for conditions like aspergillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and onychomycosis, as well as yeast infections in the mouth and esophagus.

If you are taking itraconazole and find out you’re pregnant, or if you’re considering itraconazole while breastfeeding, it’s important to understand the potential effects of the drug. Like many medications, it carries potential risks for the developing fetus and the nursing infant. That’s why doctors usually only prescribe it during pregnancy in life-threatening situations.

The US Food and Drug Administration has assigned itraconazole to pregnancy category C, which means that animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

This article takes a look at the pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings associated with itraconazole, along with other important considerations if you’re taking this medication during pregnancy.

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Why Is My Nail Green Under Acrylic? Causes & Treatment

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If you wear acrylic or gel nails, you may have noticed a strange green spot appearing under your manicure. If this has happened to you, you’re probably wondering, “Why is my nail green under acrylic?”

Don’t worry: You’re not alone. Many people experience this. And, luckily, it’s usually not serious.

This article explains why nails sometimes turn green under acrylics, clears up some common misconceptions, and provides tips for prevention and treatment.

Usually, a green nail is caused by a bacterial infection, not mold. It’s often caused by moisture getting trapped between your natural nail and the artificial nail on top.

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Nail Fungus & Thymol: A Complete Treatment Guide

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Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect the fingernails and toenails. It’s estimated that up to 14% of people have nail fungus at any given time, and it’s more common in toenails than fingernails.

If you’re dealing with nail fungus, you’re likely looking for effective treatments. One option you may have come across is thymol. Thymol is a naturally occurring compound derived from thyme, and it’s known for its antifungal properties.

This article will give you a comprehensive overview of thymol nail fungus treatment. We’ll explore how effective it is, how to apply it, and what the potential benefits and drawbacks are so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

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Terbinafine Hydrochloride Cream: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

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Athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch are all common problems, and they’re all caused by fungal infections on your skin, and there are many options, like bifonazole and miconazole, to consider. Fortunately, you can treat most of them with an over-the-counter antifungal cream.

One of the most popular and effective medications for these infections is terbinafine hydrochloride cream. You may know it by the brand name Lamisil AT.

This article will give you a complete overview of what you need to know about using terbinafine HCl cream, including its benefits and any precautions you should take.

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Epsom Salt & Vinegar for Toenail Fungus: Does It Work?

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Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition. It can affect anyone at any age, although it is most common among older adults. In fact, some estimates suggest that nearly everyone will deal with toenail fungus by the time they reach the age of 80.

If you suspect you have a mild case of toenail fungus, you may be tempted to try some home remedies. Two common household ingredients often suggested for this purpose are Epsom salt and vinegar.

But does the combination of Epsom salt and vinegar for toenail fungus really work? This article will explore what the science says about these soaks, and when it’s time to see a doctor.

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Nail Fungus Laser Treatment: How Much Does It Really Cost?

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Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common condition affecting a large percentage of the population. If you’re one of those people, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be to deal with.

But there’s good news! Laser treatment for nail fungus has emerged as a modern and effective solution. It’s a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments, offering convenience, safety, and high success rates.

So, what does it really cost to get laser treatment for nail fungus, and is it worth it? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the cost, the factors that influence that cost, and how it stacks up against other treatment options.

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Athlete’s Foot: Can Hypochlorous Acid Finally Stop the Itch?

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Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that can be a real nuisance. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracked skin, and general discomfort on the feet, especially between the toes.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a weak acid with antimicrobial properties. What’s really interesting is that your own body makes it. White blood cells produce hypochlorous acid to fight infection.

So, can this natural antimicrobial also fight athlete’s foot? That’s what we’ll explore in this article, focusing on the question: does hypochlorous acid kill athlete’s foot?

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