ICD-10 Coding for Left Foot Drop(M21.372)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Foot Drop. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Left Foot Drop
Key Information: ICD-10 code for left foot drop
Essential facts and insights about Left Foot Drop
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left foot drop
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Muscle strength ≤3/5 in affected foot
documentation Criteria
- Documented laterality and etiology
Applicable To
- Acquired left foot drop
Excludes
- Congenital foot drop (Q74.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented muscle strength ≤3/5 in tibialis anterior/extensor hallucis longus
- EMG/NCS confirming peroneal nerve involvement
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect laterality documentation
- Missing underlying etiology documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented at least three times in the medical record.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Pain in left foot
M79.672Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Lesion of peroneal nerve, left lower limb
G57.31Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Foot Drop to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M21.372.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to incomplete clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify 'left' in documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'left' for M21.372.
Impact
Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement documentation checks for laterality.
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 Left Foot Drop, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Left Foot Drop
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Foot Drop. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Diabetic neuropathy causing foot drop
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- Patient history of diabetes
- EMG findings
- Muscle strength measurements
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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