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ICD-10 Coding for Right Great Toe Pain(M79.674, M20.11, L60.0)

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

Also known as:

Right Big Toe PainPain in Right Hallux

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Great Toe Pain

M79.67-M79.674Primary Range

Pain in limb, foot, and toe

This range includes codes for pain in specific parts of the limb, including the right great toe.

Hallux valgus (acquired)

This range includes codes for bunions, which can cause pain in the right great toe.

Nail disorders

This range includes codes for nail disorders like ingrown toenails, which can cause toe pain.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M79.674Pain in right toe(s)Use when pain is localized to the right great toe without a specific underlying condition.
  • Pain localized to right great toe without identifiable cause
  • Exclusion of systemic causes like gout
M20.11Hallux valgus (acquired), right footUse when bunion is the primary cause of pain.
  • Dorsal prominence and lateral deviation of great toe
  • Confirmed via X-ray
L60.0Ingrowing nailUse when ingrown toenail is the primary cause of pain.
  • Nail plate embedding into lateral nail fold
  • Presence of erythema or purulence

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 great toe pain

Essential facts and insights about Right Great Toe Pain

The ICD-10 code for right great toe pain is M79.674, used for idiopathic pain without a specific underlying condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right great toe pain

Pain in right toe(s)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to right great toe with no identifiable cause

documentation Criteria

  • Document laterality and specific toe

Applicable To

  • Idiopathic pain in right great toe

Excludes

  • Pain due to bunion (M20.11)
  • Pain due to ingrown toenail (L60.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain localized to right great toe without identifiable cause
  • Exclusion of systemic causes like gout

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documenting the cause of pain if present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and specific toe are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Tinea unguium

B35.1
Use if fungal infection is present and contributing to pain.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in left toe(s)

M79.675
Use for pain in the left toe(s) instead of the right.

Pain in right toe(s)

M79.674
Use when pain is idiopathic and not due to bunion.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Great Toe Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.674.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected., Use specific codes for right or left side.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify the exact digit and laterality.

Impact

Using non-specific codes for toe pain can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the specific code used.

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

Documentation Templates for Right Great Toe Pain

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

Podiatry Progress Note

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Pain severity and location
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of right toe pain. Advised wider shoes.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports 8/10 sharp pain at right great toe MTP joint worsening with ambulation. Physical exam: Limited dorsiflexion (10°), dorsal osteophyte palpated. X-ray confirms hallux rigidus. Plan: Corticosteroid injection, stiff-soled shoes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain, physical findings, and treatment plan.

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

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