From the Research
The ICD-10 code for a toe injury depends on the specific type of injury, with the most common codes falling under the S90-S99 range, which covers injuries to the ankle and foot, as noted in various studies 1, 2, 3. For a general toe injury, you might use S90.1 (Contusion of toe without damage to nail) or S90.2 (Contusion of toe with damage to nail). For fractures, codes S92.4-S92.5 are used, with S92.4 specifically for great toe fractures and S92.5 for other toe fractures. These codes require additional characters to specify which toe is affected, whether it's the right or left foot, and the type of fracture (displaced, non-displaced, etc.). For sprains and strains of the toe, S93.5 is typically used. When documenting toe injuries, healthcare providers must include laterality (right or left), which specific toe is injured, and the nature of the injury for accurate coding, as emphasized in recent studies 4, 5. The correct and specific ICD-10 code is essential for proper medical billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate medical records. Some key points to consider when coding toe injuries include:
- Laterality (right or left)
- Specific toe affected
- Nature of the injury (fracture, sprain, strain, etc.)
- Type of fracture (displaced, non-displaced, etc.)
- Use of additional characters to specify details of the injury. It's also important to note that while studies such as 1 and 2 provide valuable information on the treatment and management of toe injuries, the most recent and highest quality study 5 should be prioritized when making definitive recommendations.