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M20.20
ICD-10-CM
Hallux Limitus

Find information on Hallux Limitus diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 M20.10, M20.11), treatment, and healthcare resources. Learn about stiff big toe, limited range of motion, first metatarsophalangeal joint pain, and dorsal bunion formation related to Hallux Limitus. Explore effective management strategies and improve your understanding of this foot condition.

Also known as

Functional Hallux Limitus
Structural Hallux Limitus

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Limited range of motion of the big toe joint.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, stiffness, swelling at the base of the big toe, limited upward bending.
  • Common Settings : Podiatrist office, orthopedic clinic, physical therapy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M20.20 Coding
M20.1

Hallux valgus (acquired)

Hallux limitus is a form of hallux valgus.

M20

Acquired deformities of toe(s)

Includes various acquired toe deformities like hallux limitus.

M00-M25

Dorsopathies of the foot and ankle

Encompasses foot and ankle disorders, including some causing hallux limitus.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the hallux limitus acquired?

  • Yes

    Is it post-traumatic?

  • No

    Is it rigidus?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Limited big toe joint motion
Rigid big toe joint
Turf toe

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Hallux limitus diagnosis: ROM limitation specifics
  • 1st MTP joint pain documentation: location and type
  • Radiographic evidence: joint space narrowing, osteophytes
  • Physical exam: palpate for crepitus, assess mobility
  • Differential diagnoses considered and ruled out

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified laterality

    Coding Hallux Limitus without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data reporting. Use modifiers RT, LT, or 50.

  • Rigidus vs. Limitus

    Miscoding Hallux Rigidus (M20.2x) as Limitus (M20.1x) or vice versa based on incomplete documentation affects reimbursement and quality metrics.

  • Lacking supporting documentation

    Insufficient clinical details to support the diagnosis of Hallux Limitus can cause denials and compliance issues. CDI can clarify documentation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Conservative treatment: Orthotics, NSAIDs (ICD-10: M20.10, CDI: Joint pain)
  • Physical therapy: ROM exercises, stretching (CPT: 97110, HCPCS: G0283)
  • Corticosteroid injections for pain relief (ICD-10: M75.071, CDI: Inflammation)
  • Surgical intervention: Cheilectomy, arthrodesis (CPT: 28296, 28750, Compliance: Informed consent)
  • Custom footwear: Wide toe box, rocker bottom sole (HCPCS: A5500, CDI: Foot deformity)

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Reduced 1st MTP joint ROM: Documented dorsiflexion <65 degrees. ICD-10: M20.10
  • 2. Pain and stiffness: Assess and document location, severity. CPT: 99213-99215
  • 3. Radiographic findings: Evaluate for dorsal osteophytes. CPT: 73630
  • 4. Assess gait abnormalities: Observe for compensatory movements. Patient safety: Fall risk assessment

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hallux limitus reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 (M20.1-) and CPT coding for arthrodesis, cheilectomy, or injections impacting hospital revenue cycle.
  • Coding quality metrics for hallux limitus affect physician performance reporting, impacting value-based payments and hospital quality scores.
  • Proper documentation of hallux limitus severity and treatment supports medical necessity for optimal reimbursement and reduces audit risk.
  • Timely claim submission with correct modifiers for hallux limitus procedures ensures appropriate APC assignment and minimizes denials.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • ICD-10 M20.1 Hallux limitus
  • Check ROM documentation
  • Confirm laterality (left/right)
  • X-ray findings support code
  • Exclude hallux rigidus M20.2

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with hallux limitus, characterized by restricted range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ).  Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and limited dorsiflexion of the great toe, exacerbated by activities such as walking, running, and squatting.  The patient reports experiencing dorsal first MTPJ pain, sometimes described as a burning or aching sensation.  On physical examination, decreased dorsiflexion of the hallux is noted, potentially accompanied by palpable crepitus or a bony prominence (dorsal osteophyte) on the dorsal aspect of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.  Assessment includes evaluation for hallux rigidus, osteoarthritis of the first MTPJ, and first metatarsophalangeal joint pain.  Differential diagnosis includes sesamoiditis, gout, and turf toe.  Initial treatment plan includes conservative measures such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), shoe modifications (e.g., wide toe box shoes), orthotics (e.g., Morton's extension), and physical therapy focused on range of motion exercises and joint mobilization.  Radiographic imaging (X-ray) of the foot is ordered to assess the degree of joint degeneration and confirm the diagnosis of hallux limitus.  Further treatment options, including corticosteroid injections or surgical intervention (e.g., cheilectomy, arthrodesis), will be considered if conservative management fails to provide adequate symptom relief.  Patient education regarding activity modification and proper footwear is provided.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor treatment progress and adjust the plan as needed.