ICD-10 Coding for Foot Arthritis(M19.071, M19.072, M19.17-)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Foot Arthritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Foot Arthritis
M19.07-M19.17Primary Range
Primary and post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle
This range includes codes for primary and post-traumatic osteoarthritis affecting the foot and ankle, specifying laterality and etiology.
Rheumatoid arthritis of the ankle and foot
This code is used for rheumatoid arthritis affecting the ankle and foot, requiring differentiation from osteoarthritis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M19.071 | Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle and foot | Use when primary osteoarthritis affects the right ankle and/or foot, confirmed by imaging and clinical findings. |
|
| M19.072 | Primary osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot | Use when primary osteoarthritis affects the left ankle and/or foot, confirmed by imaging and clinical findings. |
|
| M19.17- | Post-traumatic osteoarthritis | Use when osteoarthritis is secondary to a previous injury, confirmed by clinical history and imaging. |
|
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 foot arthritis
Essential facts and insights about Foot Arthritis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for foot arthritis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed osteoarthritis via imaging and clinical symptoms
coding Criteria
- Specify laterality and joint involvement
Applicable To
- Primary osteoarthritis of the right foot joints
Clinical Validation Requirements
- X-ray showing joint space narrowing
- Clinical documentation of joint pain and stiffness
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using unspecified codes when laterality is known
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies laterality and confirms osteoarthritis through imaging.
M19.072 - Primary osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot
Use when primary osteoarthritis affects the left ankle and/or foot, confirmed by imaging and clinical findings.
Applicable To
- Primary osteoarthritis of the left foot joints
Excludes
- Rheumatoid arthritis (M06.87)
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M19.17-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- X-ray showing joint space narrowing
- Clinical documentation of joint pain and stiffness
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies laterality and confirms osteoarthritis through imaging.
M19.17- - Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
Use when osteoarthritis is secondary to a previous injury, confirmed by clinical history and imaging.
Applicable To
- Osteoarthritis due to previous injury
Excludes
- Primary osteoarthritis (M19.07-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of trauma with imaging showing joint degeneration
Coding Notes
Document the trauma history and link to the osteoarthritis diagnosis.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Foot Arthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.071.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure imaging is part of the diagnostic process, Include imaging findings in the medical record
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the most specific code available, specifying laterality and joint involvement.
Impact
Audits may focus on the use of unspecified codes when specific codes are available.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on the importance of documenting laterality and specific joint involvement.
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 Foot Arthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Foot Arthritis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Foot Arthritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic osteoarthritis management
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination
- Imaging results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Foot Arthritis? Ask your questions below.