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R26.89
ICD-10-CM
Intoeing

Find comprehensive information on intoeing, including metatarsus adductus, tibial torsion, and femoral anteversion. This resource covers diagnosis, treatment, clinical documentation, and medical coding for intoeing in children and adults. Learn about ICD-10 codes, physical examination findings, and best practices for accurate healthcare record keeping related to intoeing gait abnormalities. Explore resources for parents, clinicians, and coders seeking information on intoeing assessment and management.

Also known as

Pigeon Toes
Inward Toe Walking

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Feet point inwards while walking or running.
  • Clinical Signs : Inward foot progression, tripping, awkward gait. May involve foot, tibia, or femur.
  • Common Settings : Pediatric orthopedics, pediatric physical therapy, general pediatrics

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R26.89 Coding
M21.9

Other acquired deformities of limb

Covers nonspecific acquired limb deformities, including intoeing.

M20-M25

Other congenital musculoskeletal deformities

Includes various congenital limb deformities that may cause intoeing.

Q65-Q79

Congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system

Encompasses congenital conditions affecting bones and joints potentially leading to intoeing.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the intoeing due to metatarsus adductus?

  • Yes

    Code M24.81 (Other specified deformities of foot)

  • No

    Is it due to internal tibial torsion?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Feet point inwards while walking
Twisted shin bone
Femur inward rotation

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Intoeing gait documentation: Onset, duration, severity.
  • Physical exam: Foot progression angle, hip rotation, thigh-foot angle.
  • Associated symptoms: Pain, tripping, functional limitations documented.
  • Differential diagnosis: Metatarsus adductus, internal tibial torsion.
  • Treatment plan: Observation, referral, bracing, or physical therapy.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Intoeing

    Coding intoeing without laterality or specific anatomical site (e.g., metatarsus adductus, tibial torsion) leads to unspecified codes and claim denials.

  • Age-Related Coding

    Intoeing diagnosis coding varies significantly with age. Incorrect age-specific codes (e.g., physiologic vs. pathologic) impact reimbursement.

  • Documentation Gaps

    Insufficient documentation of intoeing severity, etiology, and impact on gait can lead to coding inaccuracies and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document intoeing severity, gait analysis, & ROM for accurate ICD-10 coding (M20.1).
  • CDI: Differentiate metatarsus adductus, tibial torsion, & femoral anteversion for specificity.
  • Serial casting/bracing: Ensure medical necessity & compliance with payer guidelines.
  • Physical therapy exercises: Document treatment plan, progress, and patient education.
  • Orthotics: Justify with objective findings & monitor effectiveness for compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify intoeing observation: Age, gait description
  • Check femoral anteversion: Internal rotation >70 degrees
  • Assess tibial torsion: Thigh-foot angle, foot progression angle
  • Evaluate metatarsus adductus: Forefoot angulation

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Intoeing reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (ICD-10 M20.1-, Q66.2-) and documentation of severity and treatment.
  • Coding errors for intoeing impact hospital reporting on prevalence, treatment efficacy, and resource allocation.
  • Precise documentation of intoeing gait abnormalities and interventions improves reimbursement and quality metrics.
  • Intoeing treatment quality metrics: gait improvement, pain reduction, functional mobility, patient satisfaction.

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
  • Intoeing: Code M24.81, specify cause
  • Metatarsus adductus? Use Q66.8
  • Tibial torsion? Code M21.6
  • Femoral anteversion? M21.2
  • Check documentation for 'pigeon-toed'

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with intoeing, also known as pes varus or metatarsus adductus, impacting gait and lower extremity alignment.  Onset of intoeing was noted at (age of onset) and is (unilateral or bilateral).  Family history is (positive or negative) for intoeing, specifically (specify familial relation and condition if positive).  Patient denies pain, discomfort, or functional limitations.  Physical examination reveals (internal tibial torsion, femoral anteversion, or metatarsus adductus) as the primary cause of intoeing.  The thigh-foot angle is measured at (degrees), and the transmalleolar axis is (degrees).  Gait analysis demonstrates (describe gait abnormalities, e.g., tripping, stumbling, or inward foot progression).  Assessment includes differential diagnosis considerations such as clubfoot, cerebral palsy, and other neuromuscular conditions, which were ruled out based on (specific findings).  The intoeing is assessed as (mild, moderate, or severe) based on clinical findings.  Treatment plan includes (observation, physical therapy referral for stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics, serial casting, or surgical intervention if indicated).  Patient education provided on the natural history of intoeing, expected prognosis, and importance of follow-up.  Follow-up scheduled in (timeframe) to monitor progression and adjust treatment plan as necessary.  ICD-10 code (specify appropriate code, e.g., M24.49 for other specified deformities of foot) and CPT codes (specify relevant codes for evaluation and management, e.g., 99213 for established patient office visit, or procedure codes if applicable) will be documented for billing and coding purposes.
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