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ICD-10 Coding for Calcaneal Spur(M77.31, M77.32, M77.30)

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

Also known as:

Heel SpurOsteophyte of Calcaneus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Calcaneal Spur

M77.3Primary Range

Calcaneal spur

This range includes all codes specific to calcaneal spurs, detailing laterality and unspecified cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M77.31Calcaneal spur, right footUse when the calcaneal spur is confirmed on the right foot.
  • Radiographic confirmation of spur
  • Symptoms of heel pain
M77.32Calcaneal spur, left footUse when the calcaneal spur is confirmed on the left foot.
  • Radiographic confirmation of spur
  • Symptoms of heel pain
M77.30Calcaneal spur, unspecified footUse when laterality is not specified.
  • Radiographic confirmation of spur
  • Symptoms of heel pain

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 calcaneal spur

Essential facts and insights about Calcaneal Spur

The ICD-10 code for a calcaneal spur is M77.31 for the right foot, M77.32 for the left foot, and M77.30 for unspecified laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for calcaneal spur

Calcaneal spur, right foot
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of heel pain and radiographic evidence of spur

Applicable To

  • Right heel spur

Excludes

  • Plantar fasciitis (M72.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic confirmation of spur
  • Symptoms of heel pain

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Plantar fasciitis

M72.2
Use when plantar fasciitis is present alongside the spur.

Differential Codes

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

Stress fracture, right calcaneus

M84.371
Use when imaging confirms a fracture rather than a spur.

Stress fracture, left calcaneus

M84.372
Use when imaging confirms a fracture rather than a spur.

Stress fracture of calcaneus

M84.37-
Use when imaging confirms a fracture rather than a spur.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Calcaneal Spur to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M77.31.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential denial of claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include imaging results in the patient's record.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies right or left to use M77.31 or M77.32.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laterality is always documented in clinical notes.

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 Calcaneal Spur, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Calcaneal Spur

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

Orthopedic evaluation of heel pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right heel pain. X-ray confirms a 7mm calcaneal spur. Diagnosis: M77.31. Plan: Conservative management with orthotics.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Heel pain, possible spur.
Good Documentation Example
Right heel pain for 3 months, X-ray shows 7mm spur at medial tubercle. Diagnosis: M77.31.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and includes imaging confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Calcaneal Spur? Ask your questions below.

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