ICD-10 Code M79.673 – Pain in Foot, Unspecified

ICD-10 code M79.673 designates cases of foot pain that are not otherwise specified.
Correct coding ensures compliance, timely reimbursement, and reduced claim denials.

This code may be applied for multiple scenarios, such as right-sided foot pain, pain affecting both feet, or other nonspecific foot complaints.

Using accurate CPT Pairings with this code helps healthcare practices maximize revenue.

What Is ICD-10 Code M79.673?

The description for M79.673 is unspecified pain in the foot. This code is typically used when a patient presents with foot pain but the underlying cause has not been specifically diagnosed or documented. Unlike more defined conditions such as plantar fasciitis (ICD-10 M72.2) or fasciitis plantaris ICD-10, this code captures generalized foot pain complaints.

Accurate coding of M79.673 is critical for reimbursement since foot pain is a common presenting symptom in primary care, orthopedics, and podiatry.

Who Can Bill ICD-10 Code M79.673?

This code may be used by:

Primary Care Physicians for initial evaluations.
Podiatrists and Orthopedists for specialized foot conditions.
Physical Therapists and Rehabilitation Clinics managing musculoskeletal complaints.
Urgent Care Providers addressing acute right foot pain or bilateral foot pain.

Services Covered Under ICD-10 Code M79.673

Depending on payer policies, services that may be billed with this diagnosis include:

Initial and follow-up office visits.
Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI).
Common conservative management may involve custom orthotics, stretching routines, or physical therapy interventions.
Injections or surgical consultations if pain persists.

Billable CPT Codes Associated With ICD-10 Code M79.673

Frequently billed CPT codes that can be associated with this diagnosis include:

99213–99215: Office or outpatient evaluation and management.
73620–73630: Diagnostic imaging of the foot.
20550: Injection(s); tendon sheath, ligament, trigger points.
97110–97140: Physical therapy services for strengthening and mobility.

Modifier Use with ICD-10 Code M79.673

Modifiers may be required to ensure claim accuracy, particularly when billing multiple services. For example:

Modifier -25 when a significant, separately identifiable E/M service is performed alongside a procedure.
Modifier -59 to indicate distinct procedural services when multiple CPT codes are billed.

Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid assigning M79.673 if a more precise code, such as the ICD-10 for plantar fasciitis, can be documented.
Omitting modifiers, leading to claim denials.
Pairing the diagnosis with non-covered CPT codes.
Inconsistent documentation between the clinical note and billing claim.

Reimbursement Considerations

Accurate use of ICD-10 M79.673 impacts reimbursement significantly. Payers often require clinical justification, so supporting documentation should clearly describe whether pain is unilateral (e.g., right foot pain ICD-10) or bilateral foot pain.

Are You Being Underpaid for Come across With ICD-10 Code M79.673?

At Express MBS, we frequently identify cases where providers are underpaid due to incorrect coding or poor CPT-ICD mapping. With foot pain being one of the most common outpatient complaints, even small reimbursement gaps can add up to significant revenue losses.

Our experts specialize in medical billing, coding accuracy, and revenue cycle optimization. Let Express MBS help your practice capture every dollar it deserves while reducing claim rejections and administrative burden.

Contact Express MBS today for a free consultation and take the first step toward stronger financial outcomes.

Difference between ICD-10 Code M79.673 and Related Codes

M79.673: Pain in foot, unspecified.
M72.2: Plantar fasciitis ICD-10 (specific to heel/arch inflammation).
M79.671: Pain in right foot.
M79.672: Pain in left foot.
M79.674/M79.675: Pain in toes.

Using the most specific code possible increases billing accuracy and compliance.

Final Thoughts

ICD-10 Code M79.673 plays an important role in documenting foot pain when the cause remains unspecified. For healthcare providers and billing professionals, using this code correctly, while opting for more specific codes when possible—is vital for compliance and revenue optimization.

At Express MBS, our goal is to help practices reduce billing errors, capture appropriate reimbursement, and streamline the revenue cycle. With foot pain being such a frequent patient complaint, accurate coding ensures both better patient care and stronger financial outcomes.