M79.671 Pain in right foot

ICD-10-CM Code M79.671: Pain in Right Foot

ICD-10-CM code M79.671 designates a diagnosis of pain localized specifically in the right foot. It is categorized under diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. This code is applied when clinical documentation notes right foot pain and no definitive underlying pathology has been confirmed, serving as a billable designation for healthcare reimbursement. 3 4 5

Plain-language overview

ICD-10-CM code M79.671 is used by healthcare providers to document and bill for a diagnosis of pain that is specifically located in the right foot. This designation is applied when clinical notes, physical examination findings, or diagnostic imaging specifically reference the right foot. 4 5

What this code represents

Code M79.671 represents a symptom-based diagnosis used for presentations where soft tissue pain in the right foot is documented but no definitive underlying pathology has been identified or confirmed. It is considered a fifth-character code carrying the maximum level of specificity available in this subcategory. 4 6

Coding details

M79.671 falls under Chapter 13 for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, specifically within the M70-M79 range for other soft tissue disorders. It is a billable ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2026 billing and reimbursement, and it is the CMS-approved designation for right foot pain. 3 4

Code M79.671 is not the correct code to use when right foot pain has a neurological origin. Additionally, a distinct code, M25.571, exists for pain in the right ankle and joints of the right foot, distinguishing articular pain from the soft tissue pain designated by M79.671. 4 5

Documentation considerations

Proper usage of M79.671 requires ensuring that the pain is specifically localized to the right foot to maintain accurate medical records and billing. Physical therapy claims for this diagnosis pair M79.671 with therapy CPT codes only when the clinical note documents the treatment goal and the functional limitation being addressed. 4 5

Clinical context

Clinical literature establishes that foot pain can be measured using the Foot Function Index or Visual Analog Scale scores. Interventions including custom foot orthoses, therapeutic footwear, and foot and ankle exercises have demonstrated benefits in reducing foot pain and enhancing physical function. 1 2

What the sources add

Coding references define M79.671 as a specific diagnosis for right foot soft tissue pain without confirmed pathology, whereas clinical guidelines detail interventions like custom foot orthoses and stretching for managing general foot and heel pain. 4 6 1 2

Sources

1. A clinical practice guideline for the management of the foot and ankle in rheumatoid arthritis — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. ICD-10 | Pain in right foot (M79.671) — cdek.pharmacy.purdue.edu; accessed 2026-07-25.
4. ICD-10 Code M79.671: Pain in Right Foot — pabau.com; accessed 2026-07-25.
5. ICD-10 Code M79.671 — tebra.com; accessed 2026-07-25.
6. ICD-10 Code M79.671 Archives - Express MBS — expressmbs.com; accessed 2026-07-25.