2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M84.479

Pathological fracture, unspecified toe(s)

ICD-10-CM Code:
M84.479
ICD-10 Code for:
Pathological fracture, unspecified toe(s)
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
    (M00–M99)
    • Disorders of bone density and structure
      (M80-M85)
      • Disorder of continuity of bone
        (M84)

M84.479 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of pathological fracture, unspecified toe(s). The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like M84.479 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Pathological fracture, unspecified toe(s)

Non-specific codes like M84.479 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for pathological fracture, unspecified toe(s):

  • Use M84.479A for initial encounter for fracture - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M84.479D for subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M84.479G for subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M84.479K for subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M84.479P for subsequent encounter for fracture with malunion - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M84.479S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

  • Pathological fracture of phalanx of foot

Patient Education


Fractures

A fracture is a break, usually in a bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures commonly happen because of car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Other causes are low bone density and osteoporosis, which cause weakening of the bones. Overuse can cause stress fractures, which are very small cracks in the bone.

Symptoms of a fracture are:

  • Intense pain
  • Deformity - the limb looks out of place
  • Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injury
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Problems moving a limb

You need to get medical care right away for any fracture. An x-ray can tell if your bone is broken. You may need to wear a cast or splint. Sometimes you need surgery to put in plates, pins or screws to keep the bone in place.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Toe Injuries and Disorders

Fourteen of the 26 bones in your feet are in your toes. The toes, particularly your big toe, help you move and keep your balance. Playing sports, running, stubbing your toe, and dropping something on your foot can damage your toes. Wearing shoes that are too loose or too tight can also cause toe problems. Certain diseases, such as severe arthritis, can cause toe problems and pain. Gout often causes pain in the big toe.

Common toe problems include :

  • Corns and bunions
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains and dislocations
  • Fractures (broken bones)

Treatments for toe injuries and disorders vary. They might include shoe inserts or special shoes, padding, taping, medicines, rest, and in severe cases, surgery.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.