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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ72.22

Q72.22

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q72.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of congenital absence of both lower leg and foot, left lower limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital absence of both the lower leg and foot on the left side is a significant limb reduction defect that occurs during fetal development. This condition can arise from various factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, or teratogenic exposures. Clinically, it presents as the complete absence of the left lower leg and foot, which can impact mobility and overall development in pediatric patients. Children with this condition may require multidisciplinary care, including orthopedic evaluation, prosthetic fitting, and physical therapy to enhance functional outcomes. The absence of the limb can also be associated with other congenital anomalies, necessitating a thorough evaluation for associated conditions. Early intervention is crucial to optimize developmental milestones and improve quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other limb reduction defects
  • Potential association with syndromic conditions
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of associated anomalies
  • Variability in clinical presentation and management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated congenital anomalies
  • Failure to specify laterality in coding
  • Misclassification of limb reduction defects
  • Lack of clarity in clinical notes regarding the extent of the defect

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include detailed clinical findings, family history, and any associated congenital anomalies. Growth and developmental assessments are also critical.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include initial diagnosis at birth, follow-up visits for growth and development, and assessments for prosthetic needs.

Billing Considerations

Consideration for developmental milestones and the psychosocial impact of limb absence on the child and family.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic evaluation may include family history, genetic testing results, and assessment for syndromic associations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve genetic counseling for families with a history of congenital limb defects or syndromes associated with limb reduction.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the genetic basis of limb reduction defects and their potential inheritance patterns is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q72.22 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 guidelines for coding congenital malformations, ensuring accurate documentation of laterality and associated conditions
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture any related anomalies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q72.22 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 or reconstruction.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes and justification for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should provide comprehensive documentation to support the procedure.

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 accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection 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 documentation is required for coding Q72.22?

Documentation should include a clear diagnosis of the congenital absence, details of any associated anomalies, and a comprehensive clinical history to support the coding decision.