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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.41

M21.41

Billable

Flat foot [pes planus] (acquired), right foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.41 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of flat foot [pes planus] (acquired), right foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired flat foot, or pes planus, is a condition characterized by the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, leading to a flat appearance. This condition can develop due to various factors including injury, obesity, aging, or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. In adults, acquired flat foot often results from the dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the arch. Symptoms may include pain in the foot, ankle, and lower leg, as well as difficulty in walking or standing for prolonged periods. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may include imaging studies to assess the structure of the foot and rule out other conditions. Treatment options vary from conservative measures such as orthotics and physical therapy to surgical interventions aimed at restoring the arch and alleviating pain. The right foot is specifically noted in this code, indicating the need for precise documentation of the affected limb.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acquired and congenital flat foot
  • Identifying the specific foot affected (right vs. left)
  • Documenting associated conditions or complications
  • Understanding the impact of comorbidities on treatment options

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the acquired nature of the condition
  • Failure to specify the affected foot
  • Lack of supporting evidence for associated symptoms
  • Improper coding of related procedures or treatments

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Podiatry

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with foot pain, difficulty walking, or previous foot injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the acquired nature and any contributing factors.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment including functional limitations and treatment history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic foot pain or those requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical procedures performed and their outcomes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.41 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M21
  • 41 should be used when the flat foot is acquired and specifically affects the right foot
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the nature of the condition and any associated symptoms or treatments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.41 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

28285CPT Code

Correction of flat foot deformity

Clinical Scenario

Used in surgical correction of acquired flat foot.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery.

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 acquired flat foot, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired flat foot, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired flat foot, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

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 acquired flat foot?

Common causes include injury to the foot or ankle, obesity, aging, and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that weaken the supportive structures of the foot.