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ICD-10 Coding for Biceps Tendon Rupture(S46.11XA, M66.821)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Biceps Tendon Rupture. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Biceps TearDistal Biceps RuptureProximal Biceps Rupture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Biceps Tendon Rupture

S46.1Primary Range

Injury of muscle and tendon of the long head of biceps

Used for traumatic ruptures of the biceps tendon.

Spontaneous rupture of other tendons

Used for nontraumatic, spontaneous ruptures of the biceps tendon.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S46.11XATraumatic rupture of right long head of biceps, initial encounterFor acute traumatic ruptures of the right biceps tendon.
  • MRI showing complete rupture
  • Physical exam with Popeye sign
M66.821Spontaneous rupture of right upper arm tendonFor nontraumatic, spontaneous ruptures of the right biceps tendon.
  • MRI showing degenerative changes
  • History of corticosteroid use

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 tendon rupture

Essential facts and insights about Biceps Tendon Rupture

The ICD-10 code for a traumatic rupture of the right biceps tendon is S46.11XA.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for biceps tendon rupture

Traumatic rupture of right long head of biceps, initial encounter
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of traumatic event leading to rupture

Applicable To

  • Acute traumatic rupture of right biceps tendon

Excludes

  • Spontaneous rupture of biceps tendon

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing complete rupture
  • Physical exam with Popeye sign

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as spontaneous rupture

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies traumatic cause.

Ancillary Codes

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

Bicipital tendinitis

M75.22
Use when there is underlying degenerative change.

Personal history of tendon rupture

Z87.81
Use for recurrent cases.

Differential Codes

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

Spontaneous rupture of right upper arm tendon

M66.821
Used when rupture is nontraumatic.

Traumatic rupture of right long head of biceps, initial encounter

S46.11XA
Used when rupture is due to trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Biceps Tendon Rupture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S46.11XA.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific clinical terms and imaging results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly specifies the cause of rupture.

Impact

Using the wrong code for the type of rupture.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly differentiates between traumatic and nontraumatic causes.

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

Documentation Templates for Biceps Tendon Rupture

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

Acute traumatic rupture during physical activity

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Clinical signs (e.g., Popeye sign)
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient experienced a sudden 'pop' during weightlifting. Exam reveals Popeye deformity and MRI confirms complete rupture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has arm pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sudden 'pop' during lifting, with visible Popeye deformity. MRI confirms rupture.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and imaging confirmation.

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

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