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ICD-10 Coding for Right Calf Strain(S86.111A)

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

Also known as:

Right Posterior Calf Muscle StrainRight Soleus Strain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Calf Strain

S86.1-S86.19Primary Range

Injury of muscle and tendon of posterior muscle group at lower leg level

This range includes specific codes for strains of the posterior muscle group in the lower leg, including the right calf.

Pain in limb

This range includes codes for pain in the limb, which can be used as ancillary codes for calf strain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right calf strain

Essential facts and insights about Right Calf Strain

The ICD-10 code for a right calf strain is S86.111A, used for strains of the soleus, plantaris, or popliteus muscles.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right calf strain

Strain of other muscle(s)/tendon(s) of posterior muscle group at lower leg level, right leg, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed strain of soleus, plantaris, or popliteus via imaging

coding Criteria

  • Use 7th character 'A' for initial encounter

documentation Criteria

  • Specify muscle involved and laterality

Applicable To

  • Strain of soleus
  • Strain of plantaris
  • Strain of popliteus

Excludes

  • Strain of gastrocnemius
  • Achilles tendon injuries

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound showing muscle fiber disruption
  • Tenderness at musculotendinous junction
  • Pain on resisted plantarflexion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with gastrocnemius strain
  • Incorrect 7th character usage

Coding Notes

  • Ensure specific muscle identification and laterality are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right calf

M79.642
Use for documenting persistent pain without confirmed muscle tear.

Differential Codes

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

Injury of Achilles tendon

S86.0
Use when there is tenderness distal to the musculotendinous junction or a positive Thompson test.

Sprain of ankle

S93.4
Use when the injury involves the ankle joint rather than the calf muscles.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Calf Strain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S86.111A.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect diagnosis and treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the muscle in documentation, Use imaging to confirm diagnosis

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use S86.11- for gastrocnemius-specific injuries

Impact

Using 'A' for follow-up encounters instead of initial

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on correct 7th character usage

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 Calf Strain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Calf Strain

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

Acute right calf strain in sports injury

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • History of injury
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has right calf pain after running. Diagnosed with calf strain.
Good Documentation Example
Acute onset right posterior calf pain during sprinting with audible ‘pop.’ Tenderness 4 cm distal to knee joint line. Ultrasound shows 30% fiber tear in medial soleus. Negative DVT on Doppler.
Explanation
The good example specifies the muscle involved, the mechanism of injury, and imaging findings, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Calf Strain? Ask your questions below.

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