The MassHealth agency pays for podiatric care provided in a hospital, a member's home, or a long-term-care facility only when the following conditions are met.
- (A) Podiatric care provided in any of the above settings is designed to treat a diagnosed condition, to minimize bed confinement, and to increase the member's activity.
- (B) The podiatrist performs and documents a complete evaluation and all necessary treatment for relief of the member's symptoms or for the diagnosed condition.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Subchapter Number and Title Page
MassHealth 4 Program Regulations
4-8
Provider Manual Series (130 CMR 424.000)
Transmittal Letter Date
Podiatrist Manual
POD-71 01/02/15
(C) If further treatment is required, the podiatrist formulates a treatment plan and includes it in the member's medical record. This plan must justify any further diagnostic procedures, additional treatment, return visits, or referrals and must include the following information:
- (1) a diagnosis of the member's podiatric condition;
- (2) results of X rays and other diagnostic tests, if performed; and
- (3) a description of treatment provided and recommendations for additional treatment.
- (D) The treatment plan is updated after each visit and details the member's progress.
- (E) Documentation of all out-of-office visits, including the member's evaluation, progress, and treatment plan, must be kept either in the podiatrist's office or at the appropriate facility where the service is provided.
- (F) Payment is limited to one out-of-office visit per member in a 30-day period in a long-term-care facility or the member's home and two visits in a 30-day period for a member in a hospital setting.
- (G) The MassHealth agency pays for either a visit or a treatment procedure. The MassHealth agency does not pay for both a visit and a treatment or surgical procedure provided to a member on the same day in the same location.