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ICD-10 Coding for Bicep Tendonitis(M75.21, M75.22, M75.20)

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

Also known as:

Bicipital TendinitisLong Head Biceps Tendinopathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bicep Tendonitis

M75.2Primary Range

Disorders of bursa and tendons in shoulder region

This range includes specific codes for bicipital tendinitis, focusing on the shoulder region.

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 right shoulder involvement with clinical and imaging confirmation.
  • Tenderness to palpation over bicipital groove, right shoulder
  • Positive Speed’s test
  • MRI shows fluid distension of biceps tendon sheath
M75.22Bicipital tendinitis, left shoulderUse when documentation specifies left shoulder involvement with clinical and imaging confirmation.
  • Tenderness to palpation over bicipital groove, left shoulder
  • Positive Speed’s test
  • MRI shows fluid distension of biceps tendon sheath
M75.20Bicipital tendinitis, unspecified shoulderUse only when laterality is not documented.
  • General shoulder pain without specified laterality

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 tendonitis

Essential facts and insights about Bicep Tendonitis

The ICD-10 code for bicep tendonitis in the right shoulder is M75.21, and for the left shoulder, it is M75.22.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bicep tendonitis

Bicipital tendinitis, right shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of pain in bicipital groove with positive Speed’s test.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify right shoulder and clinical findings.

Applicable To

  • Right shoulder bicipital tendinitis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Tenderness to palpation over bicipital groove, right shoulder
  • Positive Speed’s test
  • MRI shows fluid distension of biceps tendon sheath

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes when laterality is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Impingement syndrome

M75.4
Use when impingement is the underlying cause of tendinitis.

Differential Codes

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

Rotator cuff tear or rupture

M75.1-
Pain localized to lateral shoulder vs. bicipital groove.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

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

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality to use M75.21 or M75.22.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes when laterality is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all clinical documentation specifies laterality.

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 Tendonitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bicep Tendonitis

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

Orthopedic Progress Note (Post-Imaging)

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

SUBJECTIVE: 45M with 6-week history of progressive anterior right shoulder pain exacerbated by overhead lifting. OBJECTIVE: Tenderness: 2/10 at rest, 8/10 with resisted forearm supination. Positive Speed’s test (pain radiates to bicipital groove). ROM: 0-120° flexion (pain at 90°). IMAGING: Ultrasound shows thickened long head biceps tendon (>5mm) with hypervascularity on Doppler. ASSESSMENT: Right bicipital tendinitis (M75.21) secondary to repetitive overhead activity.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder pain
Good Documentation Example
Tenderness to palpation over bicipital groove, right shoulder. Positive Speed’s test.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location and clinical tests, providing necessary detail for accurate coding.

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

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