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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM67.01

M67.01

Billable

Short Achilles tendon (acquired), right ankle

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M67.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of short achilles tendon (acquired), right ankle.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Short Achilles tendon (acquired) refers to a condition where the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is abnormally short due to various factors such as injury, surgery, or chronic inflammation. This condition can lead to functional limitations, pain, and an increased risk of tendon ruptures. Patients may experience symptoms such as difficulty in walking, limited range of motion, and discomfort during physical activities. The acquired nature of this condition often results from repetitive stress, tenosynovitis, or previous surgical interventions that may have altered the tendon’s length. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and assessment of the patient's history. Treatment options may include physical therapy, orthotic devices, or surgical repair to lengthen the tendon and restore function. Understanding the implications of a short Achilles tendon is crucial for effective management and rehabilitation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acquired and congenital conditions
  • Understanding the implications of associated tenosynovitis
  • Identifying the need for surgical intervention
  • Documenting the specific location and laterality of the condition

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the acquired nature of the tendon shortening
  • Failure to specify laterality (right vs. left)
  • Lack of supporting evidence for associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Improper coding of related surgical procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with pain in the heel or calf, limited mobility, or history of tendon injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions and their outcomes are documented clearly to support coding.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing treatment modalities, patient response, and functional outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgical repair of the Achilles tendon or conservative management of tendon shortening.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's functional limitations and progress is essential for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M67.01 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M67
  • 01 should be used when the Achilles tendon shortening is acquired, and the right ankle is affected
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and includes details about the patient's history and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M67.01 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27658CPT Code

Achilles tendon lengthening

Clinical Scenario

Used in surgical repair of a short Achilles tendon.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery and any pre-existing conditions.

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 short Achilles tendon, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like short Achilles tendon, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like short Achilles tendon, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

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 treatments for a short Achilles tendon?

Common treatments include physical therapy, orthotic devices, and surgical procedures such as tendon lengthening.