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ICD-10 Coding for Biceps Tendinitis(M75.21, M75.22, M75.20)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Biceps Tendinitis. 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 Biceps Tendinitis

M75.2Primary Range

Bicipital tendinitis

This range includes codes specifically for biceps tendinitis, with laterality distinctions.

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.
  • Localized tenderness in the bicipital groove
  • Positive Speed’s or Yergason’s test
  • Imaging confirmation of tendon inflammation
M75.22Bicipital tendinitis, left shoulderUse when documentation specifies left shoulder involvement with clinical and imaging confirmation.
  • Localized tenderness in the bicipital groove
  • Positive Speed’s or Yergason’s test
  • Imaging confirmation of tendon inflammation
M75.20Bicipital tendinitis, unspecified shoulderUse only when laterality is not specified in the documentation.
  • 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 biceps tendinitis

Essential facts and insights about Biceps Tendinitis

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for biceps tendinitis

Bicipital tendinitis, right shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of tenderness in the bicipital groove and positive clinical tests

Applicable To

  • Right shoulder biceps tendinitis

Excludes

  • Other shoulder lesions

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Localized tenderness in the bicipital groove
  • Positive Speed’s or Yergason’s test
  • Imaging confirmation of tendon inflammation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified code without laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified code usage.

Ancillary Codes

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

Rotator cuff tear or rupture

M75.1
Use when there is concurrent rotator cuff pathology.

Differential Codes

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

Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder

M75.0
Characterized by frozen shoulder with limited range of motion, unlike tendinitis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Biceps Tendinitis 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 incorrect treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality in clinical notes, Cross-check imaging reports for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

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

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit flags.

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

Documentation Templates for Biceps Tendinitis

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

Orthopedic evaluation for biceps tendinitis

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with anterior shoulder pain. Exam reveals tenderness over bicipital groove, positive Speed’s test. MRI confirms tendinitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder pain noted. MRI done.
Good Documentation Example
Localized tenderness over right bicipital groove with pain on resisted elbow flexion. MRI reveals tendinosis of the long head biceps without tear.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging results, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Biceps Tendinitis? Ask your questions below.

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