ICD-10 Coding for Right Lower Leg Pain(M79.661)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Lower Leg Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Right Lower Leg Pain
M79.60-M79.66Primary Range
Pain in limb
This range includes codes for pain in specific limbs, including the right lower leg.
Lesion of sciatic nerve
This range includes codes for nerve lesions that may cause pain in the lower leg.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for right lower leg pain
Essential facts and insights about Right Lower Leg Pain
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right lower leg pain
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Pain localized to the right lower leg with no other identifiable cause.
Applicable To
- Localized pain in right calf
- Right lower leg discomfort
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Patient reports sharp pain localized to right calf/lower leg
- No evidence of fracture or vascular issues on imaging
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using unspecified codes leading to denials
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality and specific location are documented to avoid using unspecified codes.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Lesion of sciatic nerve, right lower limb
G57.31Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Pain in unspecified leg
M79.606Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Lower Leg Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.661.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: Increased audit risk., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include laterality in documentation., Use templates that prompt for specific details.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for reduced reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Increased risk of audits and denials., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data reporting.
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific location and laterality to use M79.661.
Impact
High risk of audits when unspecified codes are used for specific conditions.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the use of specific codes.
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 Lower Leg Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Right Lower Leg Pain
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Right Lower Leg Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Orthopedic evaluation of right lower leg pain
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Subjective pain description
- Objective findings
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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