ICD-10 Coding for Foot Pain(M79.671, M72.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Foot Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Foot Pain
M79.67-M79.673Primary Range
Pain in foot and toes
This range includes codes for general foot pain, specifying laterality and location.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M79.671 | Pain in right foot | Use when the patient presents with pain localized to the right foot without a more specific diagnosis. |
|
| M72.2 | Plantar fasciitis | Use when plantar fasciitis is confirmed by clinical or imaging findings. |
|
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 pain
Essential facts and insights about Foot Pain
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for foot pain
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of pain in the right foot without specific etiology.
Applicable To
- Right foot pain
Excludes
- Plantar fasciitis (M72.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented pain in the right foot without specific diagnosis.
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using unspecified codes when laterality is known.
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified codes.
M72.2 - Plantar fasciitis
Use when plantar fasciitis is confirmed by clinical or imaging findings.
Applicable To
- Plantar fasciitis
Excludes
- Pain in foot (M79.67-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Confirmed via imaging or clinical tests showing thickened plantar fascia.
Coding Notes
Document specific tests confirming plantar fasciitis.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Foot Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.671.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis or treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Use templates that prompt for specific location details.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific side affected.
Impact
Coding without specifying the affected side increases audit risk.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific side affected.
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 Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Foot Pain
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Foot Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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