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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ72.20

Q72.20

Billable

Congenital absence of both lower leg and foot, unspecified lower limb

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q72.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of congenital absence of both lower leg and foot, unspecified lower limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital absence of both lower leg and foot, classified under Q72.20, refers to a condition where a child is born without one or both lower legs and feet. This condition is a type of limb reduction defect, which can occur due to various genetic and environmental factors during fetal development. The absence of lower limbs can significantly impact a child's mobility and overall development, necessitating early intervention and rehabilitation. Associated congenital malformations may include clubfoot, hip dysplasia, and scoliosis, which can complicate the clinical picture. Accurate diagnosis often involves imaging studies and genetic testing to rule out associated syndromes. The management of this condition typically requires a multidisciplinary approach, including orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, and possibly prosthetic fitting, to enhance mobility and quality of life for affected children.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of limb absence
  • Potential for associated congenital anomalies
  • Need for multidisciplinary documentation
  • Differentiation from other limb reduction defects

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated conditions
  • Failure to specify limb absence laterality
  • Misclassification of limb reduction defects
  • Lack of genetic testing documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation must include detailed descriptions of the child's developmental milestones, physical examination findings, and any interventions or therapies initiated.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include newborn assessments revealing limb absence, referrals for orthopedic evaluation, and follow-up visits for prosthetic fitting.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include the age of the child, the presence of associated congenital anomalies, and the need for ongoing therapy and support.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family history, results of genetic testing, and any syndromic associations identified.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve genetic counseling sessions for families, discussions of recurrence risks, and management of syndromic conditions.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include the need for comprehensive genetic evaluation and the implications of findings for family planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q72.20 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for congenital conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the absence, associated anomalies, and any interventions
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture the full clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q72.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27599CPT Code

Unlisted procedure, leg

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical interventions related to limb absence.

Documentation Requirements

Document the nature of the procedure and its necessity due to congenital absence.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should provide detailed operative reports.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases like Q72.20. This specificity aids in better resource allocation and management of congenital conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases like Q72.20. This specificity aids in better resource allocation and management of congenital conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases like Q72.20. This specificity aids in better resource allocation and management of congenital conditions.

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 documentation is required for coding Q72.20?

Documentation should include a clear diagnosis of congenital absence, any associated congenital anomalies, and details of interventions or therapies initiated. Genetic testing results and family history may also be relevant.