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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.961

M21.961

Billable

Unspecified acquired deformity of right lower leg

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.961 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified acquired deformity of right lower leg.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified acquired deformity of the right lower leg refers to a structural abnormality that develops in the lower leg due to various factors such as trauma, disease, or other medical conditions. These deformities can manifest as changes in bone structure, alignment, or overall shape, leading to functional impairments and discomfort. Common causes include post-traumatic changes following fractures, degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis, or conditions such as Charcot foot. The deformity may present as varus or valgus alignment, which can affect gait and weight-bearing capabilities. Patients may experience pain, instability, and difficulty in performing daily activities. Treatment options often include physical therapy, orthotic devices, or surgical interventions aimed at correcting the deformity and restoring function. Accurate diagnosis and documentation are crucial for effective management and coding, as the specifics of the deformity can significantly influence treatment decisions and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for precise documentation of the deformity type and cause
  • Potential overlap with other lower leg conditions
  • Variations in treatment approaches based on the specific deformity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the deformity's cause
  • Lack of specificity in describing the deformity
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers
  • Failure to document associated conditions or treatments

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the deformity, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-fracture deformities, degenerative joint disease, and congenital deformities.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation reflects the acquired nature of the deformity and any prior treatments.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments, treatment goals, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgery for deformity correction or management of chronic pain.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the impact of the deformity on the patient's functional abilities and quality of life.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.961 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding acquired deformities, ensuring that the documentation supports the diagnosis
  • Include details about the deformity's onset, associated conditions, and any treatments provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.961 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27500CPT Code

Osteotomy, tibia, proximal or distal

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical correction of acquired deformities of the lower leg.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative assessment, surgical notes, and post-operative follow-up.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the deformity is well-documented to justify the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding acquired deformities, enabling better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation. M21.961 provides a clear framework for documenting right lower leg deformities, which can enhance patient care and billing accuracy.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding acquired deformities, enabling better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation. M21.961 provides a clear framework for documenting right lower leg deformities, which can enhance patient care and billing accuracy.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing accuracy.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between acquired and congenital deformities?

Acquired deformities develop after birth due to factors such as injury, disease, or degeneration, while congenital deformities are present at birth and result from genetic or environmental factors during fetal development.