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ICD-10 Coding for Right Leg Pain(M79.604, M79.607)

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

Also known as:

Pain in Right LegRight Lower Limb Painright lower extremity pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Leg Pain

M79.60-M79.67Primary Range

Pain in limb

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

Pain, not elsewhere classified

These codes are used for pain management scenarios, such as chronic or acute pain.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M79.604Pain in right legUse when the pain is generalized in the right leg without specific localization.
  • Documented location of pain in the right leg
  • Negative imaging for fractures
M79.607Pain in right lower legUse when pain is specifically in the lower leg, such as the calf.
  • Palpation findings indicating localized pain in the calf
  • Negative D-dimer for DVT exclusion

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 leg pain

Essential facts and insights about Right Leg Pain

The ICD-10 code for right leg pain is M79.604, used for generalized pain in the right leg.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right leg pain

Pain in right leg
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to the right leg without specific injury

Applicable To

  • Generalized right thigh pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented location of pain in the right leg
  • Negative imaging for fractures

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes when specifics are available

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and nature of the pain.

Ancillary Codes

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

Meralgia paresthetica

G57.12
Use when there is documented lateral thigh numbness.

Varicose veins of right lower extremity

I87.11
Use when varicose veins are present and contributing to pain.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in right lower leg

M79.607
Use when pain is specifically localized to the lower leg.

Pain in right leg

M79.604
Use when pain is generalized in the right leg.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Leg Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.604.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Could lead to compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the exact location of pain to use the correct code.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and nature of pain.

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

Documentation Templates for Right Leg Pain

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

Right Leg Pain Evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Quality and severity of pain
  • Aggravating and alleviating factors
  • Imaging and diagnostic findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with sharp, stabbing pain in the right calf, worsened by walking. No trauma history. X-ray negative for fracture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports leg pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sharp, stabbing pain in the right calf, worsened by walking. No trauma history. X-ray negative for fracture.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, quality, and diagnostic findings.

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

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

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