ICD-10 Code M79.672 – Pain in Left Foot
- ICD-10 M79.672 identifies pain specifically in the left foot when no underlying cause is documented.
- Correct code usage ensures accurate reimbursement and compliance.
- Medical records must clearly indicate the side affected (e.g., left foot) and specify if the underlying cause has been identified.
- Misuse of this symptom code can lead to payer audits or denials
What Is ICD-10 Code M79.672?
ICD-10 code M79.672 is used to document pain in the left foot when the exact cause is either unknown or still being evaluated. This is considered a symptom code, meaning it’s often used provisionally until a definitive diagnosis is established.
This code should not be used if a more specific diagnosis, such as plantar fasciitis, stress fracture, or Achilles tendinitis, has been confirmed.
Who Can Bill ICD-10 Code M79.672?
M79-672 may be billed by:
- Podiatrists
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Primary care physicians
- Physical therapists
- Urgent care providers
- Sports medicine specialists
Services Covered Under ICD-10 Code M79.672
Commonly covered services when billing with M79-672 include:
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Orthotic evaluation and fitting
- Minor surgical procedures if required
- Pain management injections
Billable CPT Codes Associated With ICD-10 Code M79.672
Correct pairing of CPT and ICD-10 codes improves claim accuracy.
CPT Code | Procedure Description | ICD-10 Link |
73630 | Complete foot X-ray, 3+ views | M79.672 |
20550 | Injection into tendon sheath or ligament | M79.672 |
29540 | Application of strapping, ankle and/or foot | M79.672 |
99213 | Established patient office visit, low complexity | M79.672 |
97110 | Therapeutic exercises to improve strength and mobility | M79.672 |
Modifier Use With ICD-10 Code M79.672
Modifiers such as -LT (left side) can be applied to CPT codes to indicate laterality, ensuring the claim matches the documented diagnosis.
Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid
- Using M79,672 when a definitive diagnosis exists.
- Forgetting to specify laterality in documentation.
- Omitting the -LT modifier when billing procedure codes.
- Submitting claims without supporting clinical notes.
Reimbursement Considerations
Payers often require clear symptom documentation to reimburse for M79-672-related services. For best results:
- Include onset, duration, and aggravating factors of foot pain.
- Ensure that the results from diagnostic tests are connected directly to the appropriate ICD-10 code.
- Justify any repeated imaging or therapy sessions.
Difference between ICD-10 M79.672 and Related Codes
ICD-10 Code | Description |
M79.672 | Pain in left foot |
Pain in right foot | |
M79.609 | Pain in unspecified limb |
M79.673 | Pain in unspecified foot |
Are You Being Underpaid for Encounters With ICD-10 Code M79_672?
At ExpresMBS, we’ve found that improper coding for foot pain often results in underpayments, especially when laterality or modifiers are missing.
Our RCM experts can audit your claims to ensure maximum reimbursement and reduce denial risks. Contact ExpressMBS today to protect your revenue.
Final Thoughts
ICD-10 M79.672 is a straightforward yet essential diagnosis code for documenting left foot pain when no specific cause has been identified.
Using it correctly, with proper documentation, CPT pairing, and modifiers, is key to both compliance and reimbursement success. Partnering with experts like ExpressMBS ensures accuracy, reduces denials, and protects your bottom line
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
M79.672 ICD 10 is used to document pain in the left foot when the exact cause is unclear. Accurate use of this code ensures proper billing and clinical tracking.
This code is typically billed by podiatrists, orthopedists, and primary care providers managing patients with unexplained left foot pain ICD 10 symptoms.
Services like foot X-rays (CPT 73630), injections (CPT 20550), and physical therapy exercises (CPT 97110) can be billed alongside M79.672 when medically necessary.
M79.672 specifically identifies left foot pain. Additional relevant ICD-10 codes are M79.671 for pain in the right foot, M79.673 for foot pain without a specified location, and M79.609 for pain in an unspecified limb. Choosing the correct code prevents denials.
Yes, both Medicare and private insurers generally reimburse services linked to M79.672 ICD 10 if documentation clearly supports the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Mistakes include using the code without specifying laterality, failing to link CPT codes, or coding M79.672 when a specific underlying condition is known. Avoiding these errors ensures smoother claims processing.
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