Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Notes indicate that the orthopedist performed a level-three evaluation and management (E/M) service for an established patient with a spontaneous rupture of the ankle and foot. How do I choose an ICD-10 code for this condition, and what is a spontaneous rupture?

Illinois Subscriber

Answer: First, we’ll talk about the coding. You’ll choose from one of the following ICD-10 codes for spontaneous rupture of the ankle and foot, depending on encounter specifics:

• M66.271 — Spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons, right ankle and foot
• M66.272 — Spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons, left ankle and foot
• M66.279 — Spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons, unspecified ankle and foot
• M66.371 — Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, right ankle and foot
• M66.372 — Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, left ankle and foot
• M66.379 — Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, unspecified ankle and foot
• M66.871 — Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, right ankle and foot
• M66.872 — Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, left ankle and foot
• M66.879 — Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, unspecified ankle and foot.

Append one of these codes to your 99213 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires at least 2 of these 3 key components:

An expanded problem focused history; An expanded problem focused examination; Medical decision making of low complexity …) claim to make it fly.

Now, for a little info on spontaneous ankle and foot ruptures. Basically, spontaneous tendon ruptures in the ankle and foot are pretty rare; they can occur in the absence of injury, and might be caused by something like inherent weakness. This weakness might be due to medication, advanced age, renal transplantation, etc. Also, diseases like hypercholesterolemia, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis could be the cause of a spontaneous foot and ankle rupture.

According to the Foot and Ankle Online Journal, “spontaneous tendon rupture is directly correlated with a combination of mild trauma and chronic degeneration of a tendon. Other contributing factors are systemic diseases, biomechanical abnormalities, fluoroquinolone use, and steroid usage.”