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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.6

M21.6

Billable

Other acquired deformities of foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other acquired deformities of foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M21.6 refers to a variety of acquired deformities of the foot that are not classified under more specific codes. These deformities can arise from various causes, including trauma, inflammatory conditions, or degenerative diseases. Common examples include hallux valgus (bunion), claw toes, and mallet toes. Hallux valgus is characterized by lateral deviation of the great toe, often leading to pain and difficulty in footwear fitting. Other acquired deformities may result from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, which can alter foot structure and function. The management of these deformities often involves conservative measures such as orthotics, physical therapy, or surgical interventions to correct the alignment and alleviate symptoms. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the underlying causes and the specific deformities present, as well as the impact on the patient's mobility and quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to deformities
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation to specify the type of deformity
  • Potential overlap with other foot deformity codes
  • Variability in treatment approaches and outcomes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific deformity
  • Failure to link the deformity to an underlying condition
  • Misclassification of the deformity type
  • Lack of evidence for conservative treatment attempts before surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Podiatry

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the deformity, treatment history, and any imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with foot pain, deformities, or complications from diabetes.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant conditions are documented to support the diagnosis.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluation reports, including physical exams and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-traumatic deformities or degenerative changes in the foot.

Billing Considerations

Document surgical interventions and outcomes clearly to justify coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.6 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used when the specific deformity does not fall under more defined categories
  • Document the clinical rationale for the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.6 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

28296CPT Code

Bunionectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for severe hallux valgus deformity.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Podiatrists must document the severity and impact on daily activities.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of foot deformities, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M21.6 captures a broader range of acquired deformities, facilitating better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of foot deformities, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M21.6 captures a broader range of acquired deformities, facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of foot deformities, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M21.6 captures a broader range of acquired deformities, facilitating better patient management.

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 types of conditions are included under M21.6?

M21.6 includes various acquired deformities of the foot such as hallux valgus, claw toes, and mallet toes, which arise from different underlying causes.