Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Right Achilles Tendinitis(M76.61, M76.60)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Achilles Tendinitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Right Achilles TendonitisRight Achilles Tendon Inflammation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Achilles Tendinitis

M76.6-M76.62Primary Range

Achilles tendinitis codes

This range includes codes for Achilles tendinitis, specifying laterality and unspecified cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M76.61Achilles tendinitis, right legUse when documentation specifies right leg involvement.
  • Pain localized to right Achilles tendon
  • Swelling and tenderness on palpation
  • Positive Thompson test
  • + 1 more
M76.60Achilles tendinitis, unspecified legUse when laterality is not documented.
  • General Achilles tendon pain without specified side

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 right Achilles tendinitis

Essential facts and insights about Right Achilles Tendinitis

The ICD-10 code for right Achilles tendinitis is M76.61, used when the right leg is specified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis, right leg
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain and swelling localized to right Achilles tendon

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'right' in the documentation

Applicable To

  • Right Achilles tendon inflammation

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain localized to right Achilles tendon
  • Swelling and tenderness on palpation
  • Positive Thompson test
  • Ultrasound or MRI showing tendon thickening

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without specifying laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to use M76.61.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retrocalcaneal bursitis

M70.67
Use if bursitis coexists with tendinitis.

Differential Codes

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

Strain of right Achilles tendon

S86.011A
Use for acute traumatic injury with sudden onset.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Achilles Tendinitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M76.61.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on importance of laterality documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'right' to use M76.61.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified laterality.

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 Right Achilles Tendinitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Achilles Tendinitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Right Achilles Tendinitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic right heel pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

45yo male with 6-week history of right posterior heel pain worsening with running. Physical exam reveals focal tenderness 4 cm proximal to calcaneal insertion, thickening of right Achilles tendon, and pain resisted plantarflexion. Ultrasound demonstrates fusiform thickening (9mm vs. 5mm left) with hypoechoic areas. Diagnosis: Right Achilles tendinitis (M76.61).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Achilles pain present.
Good Documentation Example
Severe tenderness along right Achilles tendon midportion with crepitus on active plantarflexion.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and provides detailed clinical findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Achilles Tendinitis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more