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ICD-10 Coding for Bicep Tendinopathy(M75.21, M75.22)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bicep Tendinopathy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bicipital TendinitisLong Head of Biceps Tendinitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bicep Tendinopathy

M75.2-M75.22Primary Range

Disorders of bursa and tendons in shoulder region

This range includes specific codes for bicipital tendinitis with laterality.

Synovitis and tenosynovitis

Used when tendon involvement is unspecified or not specific to the biceps.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M75.21Bicipital tendinitis, right shoulderUse when documentation specifies biceps tendon involvement in the right shoulder.
  • Pain localized to bicipital groove
  • Positive Speed’s and Yergason’s tests
  • Ultrasound showing tendon sheath fluid ≥3mm
M75.22Bicipital tendinitis, left shoulderUse when documentation specifies biceps tendon involvement in the left shoulder.
  • Pain localized to bicipital groove
  • Positive Speed’s and Yergason’s tests
  • Ultrasound showing tendon sheath fluid ≥3mm

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bicep tendinopathy

Essential facts and insights about Bicep Tendinopathy

The ICD-10 code for bicep tendinopathy is M75.21 for the right shoulder and M75.22 for the left shoulder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bicep tendinopathy

Bicipital tendinitis, right shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bicipital groove tenderness and positive Speed’s test

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of biceps tendon involvement and laterality

Applicable To

  • Long head of biceps tendinitis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain localized to bicipital groove
  • Positive Speed’s and Yergason’s tests
  • Ultrasound showing tendon sheath fluid ≥3mm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with general shoulder tendinitis codes
  • Missing laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the biceps tendon and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Incomplete rotator cuff tear or rupture of shoulder, not specified as traumatic

M75.12-
Use when there is an associated rotator cuff tear.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Synovitis and tenosynovitis, right shoulder

M65.221
Use when tendon involvement is unspecified or not specific to the biceps.

Synovitis and tenosynovitis, left shoulder

M65.222
Use when tendon involvement is unspecified or not specific to the biceps.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bicep Tendinopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M75.21.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment side., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include laterality in documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M75.21 or M75.22 when biceps involvement is documented.

Impact

High risk of audit if laterality is not documented for shoulder conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory laterality fields in EHR templates.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Bicep Tendinopathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bicep Tendinopathy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bicep Tendinopathy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Physical exam findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with anterior shoulder pain localized to the bicipital groove. Positive Speed’s test. Ultrasound shows LHBT sheath fluid (4.2mm).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder pain, treat with PT.
Good Documentation Example
Anterior shoulder pain localized to bicipital groove. Ultrasound confirms LHBT tendinopathy (5mm sheath fluid). Refer for corticosteroid injection.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location, imaging findings, and treatment plan, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bicep Tendinopathy? Ask your questions below.

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