ICD-10 Coding for Peroneal Tendonitis(M76.71, M76.72, M76.70)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Peroneal Tendonitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Peroneal Tendonitis
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M76.71 | Peroneal tendinitis, right leg | Use when documentation specifies right peroneal tendinitis confirmed by imaging. |
|
| M76.72 | Peroneal tendinitis, left leg | Use when documentation specifies left peroneal tendinitis confirmed by imaging. |
|
| M76.70 | Peroneal tendinitis, unspecified leg | Use when documentation does not specify laterality. |
|
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 peroneal tendonitis
Essential facts and insights about Peroneal Tendonitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for peroneal tendonitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of tenderness and imaging confirmation
documentation Criteria
- Specific mention of right peroneal tendinitis
Applicable To
- Right peroneal tendon inflammation
Excludes
- Peroneal tendon tear (S86.391)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Tenderness along the peroneal tendons behind the lateral malleolus
- MRI or ultrasound confirmation of tendinosis
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with peroneal tendon tear codes
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is specified to avoid unspecified code usage.
M76.72 - Peroneal tendinitis, left leg
Use when documentation specifies left peroneal tendinitis confirmed by imaging.
Applicable To
- Left peroneal tendon inflammation
Excludes
- Peroneal tendon tear (S86.392)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Tenderness along the peroneal tendons behind the lateral malleolus
- MRI or ultrasound confirmation of tendinosis
Coding Notes
Ensure laterality is specified to avoid unspecified code usage.
M76.70 - Peroneal tendinitis, unspecified leg
Use when documentation does not specify laterality.
Applicable To
- Unspecified peroneal tendon inflammation
Excludes
- Peroneal tendon tear (S86.39-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Generalized ankle pain without specified laterality
Coding Notes
Encourage documentation of laterality to avoid unspecified coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Unspecified fall, initial encounter
W19.XXXADifferential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Other injury of muscle and tendon of peroneal group at lower leg level, right leg
S86.391Other injury of muscle and tendon of peroneal group at lower leg level, left leg
S86.392Other injury of muscle and tendon of peroneal group at lower leg level
S86.39-Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Peroneal Tendonitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M76.71.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards for specificity., Financial: Could result in denied claims or lower reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate clinicians on documentation standards, Use templates that prompt for specific details
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect code may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on tendonitis prevalence.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'peroneal' to use M76.7x codes.
Impact
Reimbursement: Unspecified codes may result in lower reimbursement., Compliance: Fails to meet laterality documentation standards., Data Quality: Loss of specific clinical data on affected sides.
Mitigation Strategy
Code each side separately with M76.71 and M76.72.
Impact
Using M76.70 can lead to audit flags due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation specifies 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 Peroneal Tendonitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Peroneal Tendonitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Peroneal Tendonitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic peroneal tendinitis in a runner
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Patient history including activity level
- Physical exam findings
- Imaging results
- Specific tendon and laterality
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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