What is the ICD-10 code for Achilles tendon strain?

The ICD-10 code for Achilles tendon strain is S86.011A for the right side and S86.012A for the left side, both for initial encounters.

How do you document an Achilles tendon strain?

Document the mechanism of injury, physical exam findings, imaging results, and specify laterality and encounter type.

ICD-10 Coding for Achilles Tendon Strain(S86.011A, M76.6, S86.0)

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Learn about the ICD-10 coding for Achilles tendon strain, including documentation requirements and coding tips.

Also known as:

Achilles StrainAchilles Tendon Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Achilles Tendon Strain

S00-T88Primary Range

Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
S86.011A	Strain of right Achilles tendon, initial encounter	Use for acute strain of the right Achilles tendon during the initial encounter.	MRI or ultrasound showing peritendinous edema without tear Positive Thompson test
S86.012A	Strain of left Achilles tendon, initial encounter	Use for acute strain of the left Achilles tendon during the initial encounter.	MRI or ultrasound showing peritendinous edema without tear Positive Thompson test

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Strain of right Achilles tendon, initial encounter

S86.011ABillable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Achilles tendinitisM76.6

Use for chronic inflammation without acute injury.

Complete rupture of right Achilles tendon, initial encounterS86.112A

Use if imaging confirms a complete tear.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Achilles Tendon Strain.

Omitting laterality in documentation

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incomplete clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation

Always specify right or left in the documentation.

Confusing strain with tendinitis

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation

Use S86.0 codes for acute strains and M76.6 for chronic tendinitis.

Laterality Documentation

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to coding errors.

Mitigation

Implement a checklist to ensure laterality is always documented.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with S86.011A.

Primary Code

S86.011A

Strain of right Achilles tendon, initial encounter

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ICD-10 codes7

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Achilles Tendon Strain(S86.011A, M76.6, S86.0)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for Achilles tendon strain?

How do you document an Achilles tendon strain?

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