Verify the Correct Varus Deformity Code
Question: A 65-year-old patient presented to the podiatrist with the inside of their right foot angled up. The patient attested that they experienced a severe ankle fracture 30 years prior that didn’t heal correctly. Following a physical examination and X-rays, the podiatrist diagnosed the patient with an acquired varus deformity of the right ankle. How do I report this diagnosis? Vermont Subscriber Answer: You’ll assign M21.171 (Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, right ankle) as the diagnosis. In the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index, search for Deformity > varus > ankle. You’ll then verify the code in the Tabular List. You’ll find that M21.17- (Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, ankle) requires a 6th character to complete the code. Your 6th character options are “1” for the right ankle, “2” for the left ankle, and “9” for an unspecified ankle. In your case, use “1” as the 6th character to indicate that the condition is affecting the patient’s right ankle. A varus deformity of the ankle refers to the angling of the distal bones of the ankle joint, which causes the foot to turn inward toward the midline of the body. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
