2025 ICD-10-CM code Q72

Reduction defects of the lower limb.

This code should be used for congenital reduction defects only.Acquired limb deficiencies due to trauma or disease should be coded using appropriate codes from other chapters.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the visit, such as place of service or the type of procedure performed (e.g., 59 for distinct procedural service, 25 for significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day).

Medical necessity for diagnosis and treatment is established through clinical findings and imaging results that confirm the presence of a significant reduction defect in the lower limb.Further medical necessity will be driven by any associated functional impairments requiring intervention.

Orthopedic surgeons, geneticists, and pediatricians are often involved in the diagnosis and management of these conditions.The clinical responsibility includes comprehensive physical examination, imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasounds), genetic testing if indicated, and surgical intervention in appropriate cases.

IMPORTANT Further codes may be necessary to specify the precise location and extent of the reduction defect within the lower limb (e.g.,femur, tibia, fibula, foot).

In simple words: This code describes birth defects where part of a leg is missing or underdeveloped.Doctors use this code to describe different levels of missing or shortened bone in the leg.

This ICD-10-CM code classifies congenital reduction defects affecting the bones of the lower limb.These defects encompass a range of abnormalities, from minor shortening to complete absence of limb segments. The precise nature of the defect needs further specification in the medical record.

Example 1: A newborn infant presents with a shortened right femur (reduction defect).The diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray imaging.Code Q72 is used to represent the congenital anomaly., A child is diagnosed with fibular aplasia (absence of the fibula) in the left leg. This is considered a reduction defect of the lower limb, coded as Q72., A patient with a complex congenital limb deficiency involving multiple bones in the lower limb. This will require use of Q72 along with additional codes to capture the specific malformations of the different affected bones.

Detailed clinical description of the affected limb, including imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasound, MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the defect. Genetic testing reports should be included if any genetic anomalies are suspected.Any surgical reports should be appended.

** The severity of the reduction defect and associated functional limitations will affect the treatment plan and subsequent medical billing.Precise anatomical specification is vital for appropriate coding.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.