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ICD-10 Coding for Left Toe Pain(M79.675)

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

Also known as:

Pain in Left ToeLeft Toe Discomfort

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Toe Pain

M79.67Primary Range

Other specified soft tissue disorders, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for pain in specific body parts, including the left toe.

Injuries to the ankle and foot

This range includes codes for traumatic injuries that may cause toe pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left toe pain

Essential facts and insights about Left Toe Pain

The ICD-10 code for left toe pain is M79.675, used for non-traumatic pain localized to the left toe.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left toe pain

Pain in left toe(s)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to the left toe without trauma

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'left toe' in clinical notes

Applicable To

  • Localized pain in left toe(s)

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical examination showing tenderness in left toe
  • Patient reports pain localized to left toe

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with left foot pain codes
  • Omission of laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'left toe' to avoid confusion with foot pain codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hallux rigidus, left foot

M20.17
Use when hallux rigidus is confirmed as the cause of toe pain.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in right toe(s)

M79.674
Use M79.674 for pain in the right toe(s).

Pain in left foot

M79.672
Use M79.672 for pain affecting the entire left foot, not just the toe.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Toe Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.675.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify 'left' or 'right' in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'left toe' to use M79.675 correctly.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality in EHR systems.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Toe Pain

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

Chronic Left Toe Pain

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Differential diagnosis

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** "Patient reports chronic dull ache in left 1st MTP joint." **Objective:** - Tenderness in left 1st MTP joint - X-ray: Osteophyte formation **Assessment:** M79.675 (Pain in left toe) **Plan:** - Orthotics - Follow-up in 4 weeks

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has toe pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sharp pain in left 2nd toe, no trauma.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location and nature of the pain, which is necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Toe Pain? Ask your questions below.

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