ICD-10: Prepare to Choose Between 2 Achilles Tendon Tear Codes in 2013

February 3, 2011

New sprain codes are both described as “unspecified.” Find out what clues to look for.

You can use new ultrasound test codes 76881 (Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, real-time with image documentation; complete) and 76882 (Ultrasound, extremity, nonvascular, realtime with image documentation; limited, anatomic specific) to diagnose Achilles tendon tear. For an Achilles tendon tear that resulted from a traumatic event (such as coming down from a jump shot in basketball), you should report 845.09 (Sprains and strains of ankle and foot; ankle; other).

Effective October 2013, ICD-9 845.09 expands into two ICD-10 codes: S86.019A (Strain of unspecified Achilles tendon, initial encounter) and S93.499A (Sprain of other ligament of unspecified ankle, initial encounter).

ICD difference: The ICD-10 codes both describe unspecified areas of the strain, with S86.019A focusing on unspecified Achilles tendon. Meanwhile, S93.499A pertains to ligament of unspecified ankle.

Coder tips: Remember, S86.019A is specific for the Achilles tendon while S93.499A would include any ligament (doesn’t include tendon). Stay tuned to Podiatry Coding Alert for all ICD-10 updates.

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