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ICD-10 Coding for Left Plantar Fasciitis(M72.21)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Plantar Fasciitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Plantar Heel PainHeel Spur Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Plantar Fasciitis

M72.2-M72.21Primary Range

Plantar fascial fibromatosis and specific laterality codes

This range includes the primary codes for plantar fasciitis, with M72.21 specifically for the left foot.

Calcaneal spur codes

Used when a calcaneal spur is present alongside plantar fasciitis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left plantar fasciitis

Essential facts and insights about Left Plantar Fasciitis

The ICD-10 code for left plantar fasciitis is M72.21, used for plantar fascial fibromatosis of the left foot.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left plantar fasciitis

Plantar fascial fibromatosis, left foot
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of tenderness at the medial calcaneal tubercle.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented failure of 6 months of conservative treatment.

Applicable To

  • Left plantar fasciitis

Excludes

  • Plantar fascial fibromatosis, right foot (M72.22)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Tenderness at medial calcaneal tubercle, left foot
  • Morning pain lasting >30 minutes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is specified to avoid denials.

Coding Notes

  • Always specify laterality to ensure proper coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Calcaneal spur, left foot

M77.31
Use if imaging confirms a heel spur.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in left foot

M79.671
Use only if plantar fasciitis is unconfirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Plantar Fasciitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M72.21.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied if laterality is not specified., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data collection for condition tracking.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use M72.21 for left plantar fasciitis.

Impact

Failure to specify laterality can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks to ensure laterality is always included.

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 Plantar Fasciitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Plantar Fasciitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Plantar Fasciitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial Diagnosis

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient-reported symptoms
  • Objective: Physical exam findings
  • Assessment: Diagnosis
  • Plan: Treatment strategy

Example Documentation

Subjective: '45-year-old female reports 8/10 left heel pain worst in mornings.' Objective: 'Tenderness at medial calcaneal tubercle, left foot.' Assessment: 'Left plantar fasciitis (M72.21).' Plan: 'Custom orthotics, daily calf stretches, follow-up in 6 weeks.'

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Heel pain, left foot.
Good Documentation Example
Left plantar fasciitis with 6-month history of unresponsive conservative care. Ultrasound shows 4.2mm fascial thickening.
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnosis, history, and imaging findings, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Plantar Fasciitis? Ask your questions below.

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