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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM61.279

M61.279

Billable

Paralytic calcification and ossification of muscle, unspecified ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M61.279 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of paralytic calcification and ossification of muscle, unspecified ankle and foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Paralytic calcification and ossification of muscle refers to the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in muscle tissue, particularly in the ankle and foot regions, resulting from muscle paralysis. This condition can occur due to various neuromuscular disorders, trauma, or prolonged immobilization. The calcification process can lead to stiffness, pain, and decreased mobility, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life. It is often associated with conditions such as myositis, where inflammation of the muscle tissue can predispose the muscle to calcification. The diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to visualize the calcified areas. Clinicians must differentiate this condition from other causes of muscle weakness and pain, including myopathies and neuropathies, to ensure appropriate management. Treatment may involve physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention to remove calcified tissue. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of muscle pathology and neuromuscular conditions.
  • Differentiation from other muscle disorders is necessary.
  • Documentation must specify the location and extent of calcification.
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the diagnosis.
  • Failure to specify the location of calcification.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.
  • Misuse of related codes leading to incorrect billing.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with post-traumatic calcification following immobilization or surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity on the extent of calcification and its impact on mobility.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological assessments and history of neuromuscular disorders.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with myositis or other neuromuscular conditions leading to muscle weakness.

Billing Considerations

Document any underlying neuromuscular conditions that may contribute to calcification.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M61.279 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the condition is confirmed by clinical findings and imaging
  • The code should not be used for conditions that are not specifically related to calcification or ossification of muscle

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M61.279 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

73030CPT Code

Radiologic examination, ankle

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm calcification in patients with suspected muscle ossification.

Documentation Requirements

Radiology report indicating the presence of calcification.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like M61.279, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like M61.279, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 are the common causes of paralytic calcification?

Common causes include prolonged immobilization, neuromuscular disorders such as myositis, and trauma that leads to muscle paralysis.

How is M61.279 diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies like X-rays or MRI, and exclusion of other muscle disorders.