Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Reporting ICD-10-CM codes can be really challenging because you have so many options. You always need to check the medical documentation to make sure you’re coding to the highest level of specificity. For example, when you submit metatarsalgia claims, you must know which foot is affected.

Read on to learn more.

First, Define Metatarsalgia for Clarity

Question 1: What is metatarsalgia?

Answer 1: When a patient has metatarsalgia, the ball of his foot, located between arch and toes on the bottom of the foot, becomes painful and inflamed. Metatarsalgia centers under the five bones at the base of the metatarsals.

Metatarsalgia is one of the most common diagnoses seen in his practice, according to Jordan Meyers, DPM, partner at Raleigh Foot and Ankle Center and consultant at Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Be Aware of Metatarsalgia Symptoms

Question 2: What are some of the symptoms of metatarsalgia?

Answer 2: Symptoms of metatarsalgia include the following:

• Sharp aching or burning pain the ball of the foot
• Worsening pain when the patient stands, runs, flexes their feet, or walks. They will especially feel this pain while barefoot on a hard surface
• Sharp or shooting pain, numbness, and tingling in the toes
• Feels like a pebble in the shoe

Report These ICD-10-CM Codes for Metatarsalgia

Question 3: What ICD-10-CM codes should you report for metatarsalgia?

Answer 3: You should report the following ICD-10-CM codes for metatarsalgia:

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

Coding tip: While M77.40 is a current diagnosis code, you do not want to report it on a claim, says Jeri L Jordan, CPC, billing manager at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle in Williamsburg, Virginia. All of the major insurance companies will deny your claim if you use this unspecified code. You should always code for the foot you are treating.

Understand Metatarsalgia Causes

Question 4: What causes metatarsalgia?

Answer 4: Some causes of metatarsalgia are obesity or intense training/activity. If a patient has a foot deformity or wears shoes that are too right or too loose, they may experience metatarsalgia. Additionally, patients with a certain foot shape such as a high arch or a second toe that’s longer than the great toe may have metatarsalgia.

Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout may also have metatarsalgia.

See How Podiatrists Diagnoses Metatarsalgia

Question 5: How does a podiatrist diagnose metatarsalgia?

Answer 5: To diagnose metatarsalgia, podiatrists 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, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), and ultrasounds (US).

Rely on These Treatment Options for Metatarsalgia

Question 6: What are treatment options for metatarsalgia?

Answer 6: Treatment options for this condition include over-the-counter pain reliever to help with pain and inflammation; lifestyle modifications; orthosis or strapping to provide support and reduce stress; resting the foot; icing the foot; physical exercise to improve the range of motion, flexibility, and strength of the muscles; or surgery.