Find comprehensive information on hammertoe diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 M20.4), and treatment options. Learn about hammertoe surgery, flexible vs. rigid hammertoe, associated conditions like metatarsalgia and claw toe, and post-operative care. This resource covers differential diagnoses, physical exam findings, and relevant medical terminology for healthcare professionals, ensuring accurate and efficient medical coding and billing practices. Explore the latest information on hammertoe deformities and related foot conditions for optimal patient care.
Also known as
Hammer toe
Acquired hammertoe deformities.
Claw toe
Claw toe deformities, including mallet toe.
Other congenital deformities of toe(s)
Congenital hammertoe is included in this range.
Other acquired deformities of toe(s)
Other acquired toe deformities not elsewhere classified.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the hammertoe acquired or congenital?
Acquired
Is the affected toe overlapping?
Congenital
Toe specified?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Bent toe joint deformity |
| Claw toe deformity |
| Mallet toe deformity |
Incorrect or missing laterality (right, left, bilateral) for hammertoe diagnosis leads to inaccurate coding and claims.
Using unspecified codes (e.g., M20.4) when more specific codes (e.g., M20.41) are applicable, impacting reimbursement.
Failing to code associated conditions like arthritis or diabetes along with hammertoe affecting clinical documentation integrity and DRG assignment.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with hammertoe deformity affecting the [specify digit, e.g., second toe] of the [right or left] foot. Symptoms include [list symptoms, e.g., pain, stiffness, difficulty wearing shoes, corn or callus formation at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), metatarsalgia]. On physical examination, there is flexion contracture at the PIPJ of the affected digit with [describe any associated findings, e.g., dorsal prominence, erythema, edema, limited range of motion, malalignment]. The patient reports [onset and duration of symptoms, e.g., gradual onset of pain over several months] and [aggravating and alleviating factors, e.g., pain worsened by wearing closed-toe shoes, relieved by rest]. Assessment: Hammertoe deformity [specify, e.g., flexible, rigid, claw toe], likely secondary to [potential etiologies, e.g., biomechanical imbalance, ill-fitting footwear, underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis]. Differential diagnosis includes mallet toe, claw toe, and osteoarthritis. Plan: Conservative treatment options including [specify treatment, e.g., padding, splinting, shoe modifications, orthotics, pain management with NSAIDs] will be initiated. Patient education provided regarding proper footwear choices and foot care. Surgical intervention will be considered if conservative measures fail to provide adequate symptom relief. Follow-up scheduled in [duration, e.g., four weeks] to assess treatment response and discuss further management options. ICD-10 code [specify appropriate code, e.g., M20.42] is documented for hammertoe.