Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: Our pain management specialist has diagnosed a patient with metatarsalgia. What is this and what are the ICD-10 diagnosis options?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: Like many conditions in ICD-10, your diagnosis options for reporting metatarsalgia are based on anatomic location. They are as follows:

• M77.40 (Metatarsalgia, unspecified foot)
• M77.41 (Metatarsalgia, right foot)
• M77.42 (Metatarsalgia, left foot).

When a patient has metatarsalgia the ball of his foot, the metatarsal, becomes painful and inflamed. Metatarsalgia may result in pain, tenderness, and swelling. Some causes of this condition are obesity, poorly fitting shoes, or intense training/activity.

To diagnose metatarsalgia, providers look at the patient's history of pain, conduct a physical exam to check for a deformity on the ball of the foot, and use x-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds. Treatment options for this condition include medication; lifestyle modifications; orthosis or strapping to provide support and reduce stress; physical exercise to improve the range of motion, flexibility, and strength of the muscles; or surgery.