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ICD-10 Coding for Foreign Body in Left Foot(S90.852A, M79.57)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Foreign Body in Left Foot. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Foot Foreign ObjectRetained Object in Left Foot

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Foreign Body in Left Foot

S90.85-S90.859Primary Range

Superficial injury of foot and toes

This range includes codes for superficial foreign bodies in the foot, specifying laterality and encounter type.

Residual foreign body in soft tissue

Used for coding residual foreign bodies in the soft tissue of the foot after initial treatment.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S90.852ASuperficial foreign body, left foot, initial encounterUse for initial encounters where the foreign body is superficial and located in the left foot.
  • Physical exam showing superficial foreign body
  • Imaging confirming foreign body presence
M79.57Residual foreign body in soft tissue, ankle and footUse for chronic conditions related to a retained foreign body in the foot.
  • Chronic symptoms related to a retained foreign body
  • Imaging showing residual foreign body

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 foreign body left foot

Essential facts and insights about Foreign Body in Left Foot

The ICD-10 code for a superficial foreign body in the left foot is S90.852A for the initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for foreign body left foot

Superficial foreign body, left foot, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a superficial foreign body confirmed by physical exam or imaging.

Applicable To

  • Splinter in plantar skin

Excludes

  • Deep foreign body of foot

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam showing superficial foreign body
  • Imaging confirming foreign body presence

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with deep foreign body codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the encounter type and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retained metal/foreign body

Z18.0
Use if the foreign body is metallic and retained.

Differential Codes

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

Residual foreign body in soft tissue

M79.57
Use when foreign body is residual and not part of active treatment.

Sequela of superficial foreign body, left foot

S90.852S
Use for sequelae of the initial injury, not for residual foreign bodies.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Foreign Body in Left Foot to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S90.852A.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment location., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 requirements., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Document the depth of the foreign body to ensure correct code selection.

Impact

Failure to document depth can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure depth is documented in all foreign body cases.

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 Foreign Body in Left Foot, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Foreign Body in Left Foot

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Foreign Body in Left Foot. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Superficial foreign body removal in podiatry

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Localization of foreign body
  • Depth and size
  • Removal method
  • Imaging confirmation

Example Documentation

Under sterile conditions, a 12mm glass shard was removed from the superficial subcutaneous tissue at the left plantar heel using a #11 blade.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Removed FB from left foot.
Good Documentation Example
12mm glass shard removed from superficial subcutaneous tissue at left plantar heel using #11 blade.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure and location, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Foreign Body in Left Foot? Ask your questions below.

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