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ICD-10 Coding for Finger Pain(M79.641, M79.642, M79.646)

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

Also known as:

Digital PainPhalangeal Pain

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Finger Pain

M79.64-Primary Range

Pain in finger

This range is used for coding pain specifically located in the fingers, with options for laterality.

G89

Pain, not elsewhere classified

Used for coding acute or chronic pain management scenarios.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M79.641Pain in right finger(s)Use when the patient presents with pain specifically in the right finger(s) without a confirmed underlying condition.
  • Documented pain in the right finger(s) with specified laterality
  • Exclusion of traumatic or arthritic causes
M79.642Pain in left finger(s)Use when the patient presents with pain specifically in the left finger(s) without a confirmed underlying condition.
  • Documented pain in the left finger(s) with specified laterality
  • Exclusion of traumatic or arthritic causes
M79.646Pain in unspecified finger(s)Use when the patient presents with finger pain but laterality is not documented.
  • Documented pain in the finger(s) without specified laterality
  • Exclusion of traumatic or arthritic causes

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 finger pain

Essential facts and insights about Finger Pain

The ICD-10 code for finger pain is M79.64-, with specific codes for right, left, and unspecified finger pain.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for finger pain

M79.641
Pain in right finger(s)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to the right finger(s) without trauma or arthritis

Applicable To

  • Right index finger pain
  • Right middle finger pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented pain in the right finger(s) with specified laterality
  • Exclusion of traumatic or arthritic causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of audit if laterality is not specified
  • Potential for lower reimbursement if unspecified codes are used

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the affected finger and laterality.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute pain due to trauma

G89.11
Use when the encounter is focused on managing acute pain.

Chronic pain due to trauma

G89.21
Use when the encounter is focused on managing chronic pain.

Neoplasm related pain

G89.3
Use when pain is related to a neoplasm.

Differential Codes

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

Primary osteoarthritis, right hand

M19.041
Use when osteoarthritis is confirmed as the underlying cause of pain.

Primary osteoarthritis, left hand

M19.042
Use when osteoarthritis is confirmed as the underlying cause of pain.

Primary osteoarthritis, unspecified hand

M19.049
Use when osteoarthritis is confirmed as the underlying cause of pain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Finger Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.641.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Can result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality in the clinical note., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes laterality and use the specific code for right or left finger pain.

Impact

High risk of audit when unspecified codes are used despite available documentation for specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Encourage detailed documentation practices and use specific codes when 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 Finger Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Finger Pain

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

Chronic finger pain management

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Pain characteristics
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic pain in the right index finger, described as sharp and throbbing, exacerbated by movement. Physical exam reveals tenderness and limited range of motion. X-ray shows no bony abnormalities.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has finger pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sharp pain in the right index finger, worsening over 3 months, with swelling and reduced grip strength.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the location, duration, and associated symptoms, which supports accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Finger Pain? Ask your questions below.

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