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ICD-10 Coding for Foot Pain Unspecified(M79.673)

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

Also known as:

Unspecified Foot PainFoot Pain NOS

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Foot Pain Unspecified

M79.67-M79.679Primary Range

Pain in limb

This range includes codes for pain in specific limbs, with M79.673 specifically for unspecified foot pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for unspecified foot pain

Essential facts and insights about Foot Pain Unspecified

ICD-10 code M79.673 is used for unspecified foot pain when laterality is not documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for foot pain unspecified

Pain in unspecified foot
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Foot pain documented without laterality

clinical Criteria

  • Exclusion of specific foot conditions

Applicable To

  • Foot pain not otherwise specified

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of foot pain without specified laterality
  • Exclusion of specific conditions like plantar fasciitis or diabetic ulcers

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of audit if laterality is known but not documented
  • Potential for reduced reimbursement if used inappropriately

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly states 'unspecified' if laterality is not determined.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right foot

M79.671
Use when pain is specifically documented in the right foot.

Pain in left foot

M79.672
Use when pain is specifically documented in the left foot.

Differential Codes

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

Plantar fasciitis

M72.2
Use when heel pain is confirmed with specific tests like the Windlass test.

Diabetic foot ulcer

L97.4-
Use when ulceration is present with diabetes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Foot Pain Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.673.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to less precise treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases audit risk., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on importance of laterality documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document and code for specific laterality (M79.671 or M79.672).

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specificity is available.

Mitigation Strategy

Document laterality and specific pain characteristics.

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 Pain Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Foot Pain Unspecified

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

General Foot Pain Evaluation

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Subjective complaints
  • Physical exam findings
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient reports diffuse, non-radiating pain in both feet, worse with weight-bearing. No trauma. Negative Tinel's sign. Normal X-rays.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of foot pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports diffuse, non-radiating pain in bilateral feet, worse with weight-bearing.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain and its impact, supporting the use of M79.673.

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

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