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ICD-10 Code M79.671 – Pain in Right Foot
- M79.671 is the ICD-10 code for Pain in right foot.
- Used when documenting foot pain without specifying cause, including heel pain.
- Correct code use supports accurate claims, prevents denials, and ensures proper reimbursement.
What Is ICD-10 Code M79.671?
ICD-10 M79.671 represents Pain in right foot.
This ICD-10 entry is considered a symptom-based code, used when the source of the pain hasn’t yet been identified or is still under diagnostic review.
This may include:
- Heel pain (possible plantar fasciitis)
- Midfoot pain from overuse
- Pain from mild trauma without fracture
- General foot discomfort affecting gait
Who Can Bill ICD-10 Code M79.671?
- Primary care physicians evaluating right foot pain.
- Podiatrists managing localized foot issues.
- Orthopedic surgeons addressing musculoskeletal causes.
- Physical therapists providing rehabilitation.
- Urgent care centers documenting acute injuries.
Services Covered Under ICD-10 Code M79.671
Billable services when using this code may include:
- Evaluation & Management (E/M) visits – CPT 99213, 99214
- Imaging – CPT 73630: Complete X-ray of the foot, capturing multiple views for thorough evaluation.
- Injections – CPT 20550: Injection administered into a tendon sheath or ligament in the foot for pain or inflammation relief.
- Casting/Splinting – CPT 29540: Application of strapping to the ankle and/or foot for support and stabilization.
- Therapeutic interventions – CPT 97110 (therapeutic exercises)
Billable CPT Codes Associated With ICD-10 Code M79 671
- CPT 73630 – Comprehensive foot X-ray, used to capture multiple views for a complete diagnostic picture.
- CPT 20550 – Targeted injection into a tendon sheath or ligament in the foot to relieve inflammation or discomfort.
- CPT 29540 – Application of supportive strapping to the ankle and/or foot to stabilize the area.
Additional billable procedure codes that may be linked to this diagnosis include:
- CPT 99213 – Office visit for an established patient, typically involving low-to-moderate complexity evaluation and management.
- CPT 20550 – Administration of medication into a tendon sheath or ligament as part of pain management therapy.
- CPT 73630 – Full-foot radiographic imaging to assess injury or structural issues.
- CPT 29540 – Strapping of the foot or ankle for therapeutic or supportive purposes.
- CPT 97110 – Guided therapeutic exercise aimed at improving range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the foot or ankle.
Modifier Use with ICD-10 Code M79.671
- RT (Right side) – Confirms laterality when needed.
- 25 – Important, distinctly detectable E/M service on the same day as another procedure.
- 59 – Distinct procedural service when multiple services are billed.
Always verify payer requirements before applying modifiers.
Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unspecified codes (like M79 673 – unspecified foot pain) when right foot pain is documented.
- Failing to document laterality (right vs. left).
- Omitting cause-related codes when diagnosis is known (e.g., plantar fasciitis).
- Forgetting to pair the CPT code with M79 671 in the claim.
Reimbursement Considerations
Compensation depends on the CPT code associated to M79 671.
- Payers may require documentation of medical necessity, especially for imaging or injections.
- Symptom codes like M79 671 are generally reimbursed when appropriate diagnostic workup is documented.
Difference between ICD-10 Code M79.671 and Related Codes
Code | Description |
M79.671 | Pain in right foot |
M79.672 | Pain in left foot |
M79.673 | Pain in unspecified foot |
M79.674 | Pain in right toe(s) |
M79.675 | Pain in left toe(s) |
Are You Being Underpaid for Encounters With ICD-10 Code M79.671?
Many practices unknowingly lose revenue due to payer underpayments for visits linked to M79 671.
Even when your documentation is accurate, contract discrepancies can reduce reimbursement.
ExpressMB helps protect your bottom line by reviewing claims, comparing them against payer agreements, and identifying missed payments for CPT codes tied to M79 671.
- Detect and resolve underpaid claims
- Compare actual payments with contracted rates
- Boost revenue cycle efficiency without adding manual work
Contact ExpressMB today to ensure you receive every dollar you’ve earned.
Final Thoughts
M79.671 may seem like a straightforward symptom code, but accurate use ensures clean claims, proper payment, and compliance.
From documenting laterality to pairing with the right CPT codes, precision in coding makes a direct impact on revenue.
With Expressmbs billing expertise, you can maximize reimbursement and keep your revenue cycle healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
M79.671 is the right code for pain in right foot.
Yes, pain heel ICD 10 can fall under M79.671 if cause is unspecified.
Yes, when documented accurately and paired with the correct CPT code.
Bilateral foot pain should be coded separately for each foot or as unspecified when laterality isn’t documented.
Only if payer policy requires, such as using -RT for laterality.
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