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ICD-10 Coding for Plantar Fasciitis (Right)(M72.21)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Plantar Fasciitis (Right). Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Heel Spur SyndromePoliceman's Heel

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Plantar Fasciitis (Right)

M72.2Primary Range

Plantar fascial fibromatosis

This range includes plantar fasciitis and requires specification of laterality.

Calcaneal spur

Used when a calcaneal spur is present alongside plantar fasciitis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for plantar fasciitis right foot

Essential facts and insights about Plantar Fasciitis (Right)

The ICD-10 code for plantar fasciitis in the right foot is M72.21, which includes laterality for precise coding.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for plantar fasciitis right

Plantar fascial fibromatosis, right foot
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of heel pain localized to the medial calcaneal tubercle

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'right' in the diagnosis

Applicable To

  • Plantar fasciitis, right foot

Excludes

  • Calcaneal spur without plantar fasciitis

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Tenderness on palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle
  • Ultrasound showing plantar fascia thickness >4mm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Omitting laterality can lead to incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is specified to avoid denials.

Ancillary Codes

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

Calcaneal spur, right foot

M77.31
Use if imaging confirms a calcaneal spur.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in right foot

M79.671
Use only if plantar fasciitis is not confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Plantar Fasciitis (Right) to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M72.21.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials and revenue loss.

Mitigation Strategy

Always check for laterality in documentation., Use the correct 6th character for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate data collection affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality using the 6th character.

Impact

Failure to specify laterality can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement a checklist to ensure laterality is documented.

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 Plantar Fasciitis (Right), with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Plantar Fasciitis (Right)

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Plantar Fasciitis (Right). These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Routine podiatry visit for plantar fasciitis

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient's description of symptoms
  • Objective: Physical exam findings
  • Assessment: Diagnosis with ICD-10 code
  • Plan: Treatment plan including any procedures

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Patient reports 6-week history of sharp right heel pain, worst in the AM. Denies trauma. **Objective**: Tenderness on palpation of right medial calcaneal tubercle. Positive Windlass test. **Imaging**: Ultrasound reveals right plantar fascia thickening (5.3 mm). **Assessment**: Plantar fasciitis, right foot (M72.21). **Plan**: Corticosteroid injection (CPT 20550-RT), stretching protocol.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right foot pain.
Good Documentation Example
Tenderness to palpation at medial calcaneal tubercle of right foot. Pain worsens with first steps in the morning.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and symptom details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Plantar Fasciitis (Right)? Ask your questions below.

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