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ICD-10 Coding for Right Foot Drop(M21.371, G57.3)

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

Also known as:

Foot DropDrop Foot

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Foot Drop

M21.3-M21.379Primary Range

Acquired deformities of limbs

This range includes codes for acquired deformities such as foot drop.

G57.3

Lesion of lateral popliteal nerve

Used when foot drop is due to a peroneal nerve lesion.

M51.1-M51.16

Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy

Used when foot drop is due to lumbar disc herniation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M21.371Acquired right foot dropUse when foot drop is acquired and no specific neurological cause is identified.
  • Physical exam showing weakness in dorsiflexion
  • EMG/NCS confirming absence of nerve injury
G57.3Lesion of lateral popliteal nerveUse when foot drop is due to confirmed peroneal nerve lesion.
  • EMG/NCS showing peroneal neuropathy
  • Sensory loss in lateral calf and dorsal foot

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 foot drop

Essential facts and insights about Right Foot Drop

The ICD-10 code for right foot drop is M21.371, used for acquired cases without a specified neurological cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right foot drop

M21.371
Acquired right foot drop
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Weakness in dorsiflexion with no identified nerve injury

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'right' and 'acquired'

Applicable To

  • Right foot drop

Excludes

  • Congenital foot drop

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam showing weakness in dorsiflexion
  • EMG/NCS confirming absence of nerve injury

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using without specifying laterality
  • Risk of not identifying underlying cause

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'acquired' and 'right' to avoid unspecified coding.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified

R26.2
Use if gait disturbance is a focus of care.

Differential Codes

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

Monoparesis of lower limb

G83.1
Use if weakness extends beyond dorsiflexion/eversion.

Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbar region

M51.16
Use if MRI confirms lumbar disc herniation causing foot drop.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Foot Drop to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M21.371.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for laterality., Educate staff on importance of specificity.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

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

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can affect reimbursement., Compliance: Violates coding guidelines for sequencing., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Code the underlying condition, such as G57.3, before M21.371.

Impact

Failure to code underlying cause before foot drop.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on sequencing rules.

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 Foot Drop, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Foot Drop

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

Post-Surgical Foot Drop

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • History of surgery
  • EMG findings
  • Physical exam results

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 'Patient reports difficulty lifting right foot post-surgery.' **Objective**: 'Dorsiflexion 2/5, EMG confirms peroneal nerve injury.' **Assessment**: 'Right foot drop due to surgical complication.' **Plan**: 'Referral to PT, AFO fitting.'

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Foot drop noted.
Good Documentation Example
Right foot drop with dorsiflexion 2/5, sensory deficit in superficial peroneal nerve distribution, confirmed peroneal neuropathy on EMG.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and confirms the diagnosis with EMG results.

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