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ICD-10 Coding for Foot Injury(S92.0XXA, S93.4XXA)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Foot Injury. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Foot TraumaFoot FractureFoot Sprain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Foot Injury

S90-S99Primary Range

Injuries to the ankle and foot

This range includes all types of injuries specific to the foot and ankle, such as fractures, sprains, and lacerations.

External causes of morbidity

These codes are used to describe the external cause of the foot injury, such as falls or accidents.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S92.0XXAFracture of calcaneus, initial encounterUse when a calcaneal fracture is confirmed by imaging and it is the initial encounter.
  • X-ray or CT confirmation
  • Physical exam findings of swelling or tenderness
S93.4XXASprain of ankle, initial encounterUse for initial encounters of ankle sprains confirmed by physical exam.
  • Positive anterior drawer test
  • Swelling and bruising around the ankle

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for foot injury

Essential facts and insights about Foot Injury

Foot injuries are coded in the ICD-10 range S90-S99, with specific codes based on the type and location of the injury.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for foot injury

Fracture of calcaneus, initial encounter
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed fracture via imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Document laterality and encounter type

Applicable To

  • Calcaneal fracture

Excludes

  • Stress fracture of calcaneus

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT confirmation
  • Physical exam findings of swelling or tenderness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if laterality is not specified
  • Incorrect 7th character for encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and encounter type are documented.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Unspecified fall, initial encounter

W19.XXXA
Use to describe the external cause of the foot injury.

Other specified recreation area as the place of occurrence

Y92.838
Use to specify the location of the injury.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Stress fracture, right foot

M84.374A
Use for stress fractures confirmed by imaging, not acute trauma.

Ankle instability, right ankle

M25.371
Use for chronic instability post-sprain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Foot Injury to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S92.0XXA.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always include laterality in documentation, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific type and location of the injury.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified injury codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes and ensure complete documentation.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Foot Injury, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Foot Injury

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Foot Injury. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute Foot Injury in Emergency Department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location of injury
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Neurovascular status

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has foot pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with acute right foot pain after a fall. X-ray confirms a displaced calcaneal fracture. Neurovascular status intact.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the injury, imaging confirmation, and neurovascular status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Foot Injury? Ask your questions below.

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