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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM84.371

M84.371

Billable

Stress fracture, right ankle

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M84.371 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stress fracture, right ankle.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A stress fracture of the right ankle is a small crack in one of the bones of the ankle, typically resulting from repetitive force or overuse, rather than a single traumatic event. This condition is often seen in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact activities. Stress fractures occur when the bone is subjected to more stress than it can withstand, leading to micro-damage. In the context of bone density disorders, such as osteoporosis, the risk of stress fractures increases significantly due to decreased bone strength and density. Osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction in bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, making bones more susceptible to fractures. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and assessment of risk factors including age, gender, and physical activity levels. Treatment usually involves rest, modification of activities, and possibly physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve bone health. In some cases, addressing underlying bone metabolism disorders is crucial to prevent recurrence.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic stress fractures
  • Understanding the impact of underlying bone density disorders
  • Variability in documentation practices among providers
  • Need for precise anatomical localization

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document co-existing conditions like osteoporosis
  • Misclassification of the fracture type (stress vs. acute)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment and recovery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, imaging results, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Athletes presenting with ankle pain after increased training intensity.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of bone density and metabolic factors contributing to fracture risk.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with osteoporosis presenting with stress fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document any treatments for osteoporosis that may impact fracture healing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M84.371 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for fractures, ensuring accurate documentation of the type and location of the fracture
  • Include any relevant history of osteoporosis or other bone density disorders

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M84.371 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

73630CPT Code

Radiologic examination, ankle

Clinical Scenario

Used when imaging is performed to confirm a stress fracture diagnosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for imaging and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure imaging results are included in the patient's record.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the prevalence of stress fractures in different populations, particularly those with bone density disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the prevalence of stress fractures in different populations, particularly those with bone density disorders.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the prevalence of stress fractures in different populations, particularly those with bone density disorders.

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 a stress fracture and an acute fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress, while an acute fracture is a complete break in the bone typically resulting from a single traumatic event.