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ICD-10 Coding for Anterior Tibial Tendonitis(M76.891, M76.892)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anterior Tibial Tendonitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Tibialis Anterior TendonitisShin Splints (Anterior)

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anterior Tibial Tendonitis

M76.89Primary Range

Other specified enthesopathies of lower limb, excluding foot

This range includes conditions affecting tendons of the lower limb, such as anterior tibial tendonitis, when specific codes are not available.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M76.891Other specified enthesopathies of right lower limb, excluding footUse when anterior tibial tendonitis is confirmed in the right leg.
  • Pain localized to the anterior tibial tendon
  • Swelling and tenderness on palpation
  • Pain with dorsiflexion/inversion
M76.892Other specified enthesopathies of left lower limb, excluding footUse when anterior tibial tendonitis is confirmed in the left leg.
  • Pain localized to the anterior tibial tendon
  • Swelling and tenderness on palpation
  • Pain with dorsiflexion/inversion

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 anterior tibial tendonitis

Essential facts and insights about Anterior Tibial Tendonitis

The ICD-10 code for anterior tibial tendonitis is M76.891 for the right leg and M76.892 for the left leg.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anterior tibial tendonitis

Other specified enthesopathies of right lower limb, excluding foot
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of pain and tenderness along the anterior tibial tendon

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'anterior tibial tendonitis' and laterality

Applicable To

  • Anterior tibial tendonitis, right leg

Excludes

  • Posterior tibial tendonitis (M76.821)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain localized to the anterior tibial tendon
  • Swelling and tenderness on palpation
  • Pain with dorsiflexion/inversion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with posterior tibial tendonitis coding

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'anterior tibial tendonitis' and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right ankle and joints of right foot

M79.671
Use when pain is a dominant symptom alongside tendonitis.

Pain in left ankle and joints of left foot

M79.672
Use when pain is a dominant symptom alongside tendonitis.

Differential Codes

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

Posterior tibial tendonitis, right leg

M76.821
Pain and tenderness are localized to the posterior aspect of the tibia.

Posterior tibial tendonitis, left leg

M76.822
Pain and tenderness are localized to the posterior aspect of the tibia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anterior Tibial Tendonitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M76.891.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of specificity., Implement documentation templates.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify tendon location and ensure documentation specifies 'anterior'.

Impact

Risk of using unspecified codes due to lack of detailed documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific tendon and laterality.

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 Anterior Tibial Tendonitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anterior Tibial Tendonitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anterior Tibial Tendonitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Podiatry Progress Note

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient's report of symptoms
  • Objective: Physical exam findings
  • Assessment: Diagnosis with laterality
  • Plan: Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Pt reports progressive anterior shin pain, worse with running. Denies trauma. **Objective**: Tenderness to palpation over anterior tibial tendon, left. Pain on resisted dorsiflexion (4/5 strength). No erythema/swelling. **Imaging**: US shows anterior tibial tendon thickening without tear. **Assessment**: Anterior tibial tendonitis, left leg (M76.892). **Plan**: PT referral, activity modification, NSAIDs.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Ankle pain
Good Documentation Example
Tenderness and swelling along anterior tibial tendon, left leg, exacerbated by dorsiflexion
Explanation
The good example specifies the location, laterality, and symptoms, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anterior Tibial Tendonitis? Ask your questions below.

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

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