ICD-10 Coding for Left Foot Pain(M79.672)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Foot Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Left Foot Pain
M79.60-M79.67Primary Range
Other and unspecified soft tissue disorders, not elsewhere classified
This range includes codes for pain in specific body parts, including the left foot.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for left foot pain
Essential facts and insights about Left Foot Pain
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left foot pain
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Pain localized to the left foot without specific diagnosis
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of 'left foot' in clinical notes
Applicable To
- Localized pain in left foot
Excludes
- Pain due to specific conditions like plantar fasciitis (M72.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented pain in the left foot
- Exclusion of trauma or systemic causes
- Normal imaging results
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly assuming laterality based on imaging orders
- Using this code when a more specific diagnosis is available
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'left foot' and excludes other specific conditions.
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.
Plantar fasciitis
M72.2Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Foot Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.672.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to potential misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: May result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify 'left' or 'right' in documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Violates coding guidelines requiring explicit documentation., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always confirm laterality in the clinical documentation.
Impact
Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement documentation checks to ensure laterality is always specified.
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 Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Left Foot Pain
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Foot Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic left foot pain evaluation
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Exclusion of systemic conditions
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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