Injuries to the ankle and foot
ICD-10 Codes (0)
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Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (1)
Revised Codes (1)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for S180-S189 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 category S180-S189 covers a range of injuries to the ankle and foot. These codes are used to document various types of injuries including fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and other related conditions. They are essential in accurately capturing the patient's condition, guiding treatment decisions, and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for services provided.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code each injury separately, unless a combination code is available.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated open wound.
- •Use a seventh character to indicate the episode of care.
- •Remember to code any associated complications, such as infection or delayed healing.
- •Always verify the code in the Tabular List before finalizing.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with a sprained ankle.
- ✓When a patient has suffered a fracture of the foot.
- ✓When a patient has dislocated their ankle.
- ✓When a patient has an open wound on their foot.
- ✓When a patient is being treated for complications of a previous foot injury.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the injury is not to the ankle or foot.
- ✗When the injury is only superficial (use codes from chapter 19).
- ✗When the condition is congenital or due to a systemic disease.
- ✗When the injury is an adverse effect of medical treatment.
- ✗When the patient is being seen for aftercare of the injury.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the Tabular List before finalizing the code.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation is crucial for accurate coding. The documentation should clearly describe the type of injury, the specific location, any associated complications, and the episode of care.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of injury (fracture, dislocation, sprain, etc.)
- •Specific location on the ankle or foot
- •Any associated complications
- •Episode of care (initial, subsequent, sequela)
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Imaging reports
- •Operative reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presented with a closed fracture of the right calcaneus, initial encounter. X-ray confirmed the diagnosis.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a foot injury.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of injury
- ⚠Not indicating the episode of care
- ⚠Not documenting any associated complications
- ⚠Not specifying the exact location of the injury
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding injuries to the ankle and foot can be moderately complex due to the need to accurately identify the type of injury, the specific location, any associated complications, and the episode of care. It requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the ankle and foot, as well as the various types of injuries that can occur.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the type of injury
- ▸Identifying the specific location
- ▸Coding any associated complications
- ▸Selecting the correct episode of care
Specialty Focus
These codes are most commonly used in orthopedics, podiatry, and emergency medicine. They are essential in accurately documenting the patient's condition and guiding treatment decisions.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents to the ER with a sprained ankle.
- • A patient is seen in the orthopedic clinic for a follow-up of a foot fracture.
- • A patient is seen in the podiatry clinic for complications of a previous foot injury.
- • A patient is seen in the orthopedic clinic for a dislocated ankle.
- • A patient is seen in the ER with an open wound on their foot.
Resources & References
There are numerous resources available to assist with coding injuries to the ankle and foot. These include the official ICD-10 guidelines, coding manuals, online coding tools, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Hospital Association's Coding Clinic
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) guidelines
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) guidelines
Educational Materials:
- AAPC's ICD-10 training materials
- AHIMA's ICD-10 coding resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code a patient with multiple injuries to the ankle and foot?
Each injury should be coded separately, unless a combination code is available. Always code the most serious injury first.