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ICD-10 Coding for Sprain of Left Foot(S93.602A)

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

Also known as:

Left Foot Ligament InjuryLeft Foot Twist

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sprain of Left Foot

S93.60-S93.69Primary Range

Sprain of foot and toe(s)

This range includes all sprains related to the foot and toes, specifying laterality and ligament involvement.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for sprain of left foot

Essential facts and insights about Sprain of Left Foot

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified sprain of the left foot is S93.602A, used for initial encounters when the specific ligament is not identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for sprain of left foot

Unspecified sprain of left foot, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of swelling and tenderness without fracture

coding Criteria

  • Initial encounter for unspecified ligament sprain

Applicable To

  • Sprain of left foot without specified ligament

Excludes

  • Fracture of foot (S92.-)
  • Strain of foot (S96.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical examination showing swelling and tenderness
  • Negative X-ray for fractures

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified code when specific ligament is known

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the mechanism of injury and any imaging results.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left foot

M79.672
Use for documenting persistent pain post-injury.

Differential Codes

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

Sprain of tarsal ligament of left foot, initial encounter

S93.61XA
Use when MRI confirms tarsal ligament involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sprain of Left Foot to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S93.602A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failure., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Include detailed mechanism of injury, Specify ligament involvement if known

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific ligament involvement and use the corresponding code.

Impact

High audit risk when specific ligament information is available but not coded.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

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 Sprain of Left Foot, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Sprain of Left Foot

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

Initial evaluation of left foot sprain

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with left foot pain after a fall. Exam shows swelling and tenderness over the lateral foot. X-ray negative for fracture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has left foot pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports inversion injury to left foot while running. Exam reveals tenderness over cuboid-navicular joint, swelling (+2), limited dorsiflexion.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the injury mechanism and clinical findings, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Sprain of Left Foot? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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