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ICD-10 Coding for De Quervain's Synovitis(M65.4, M65.41, M65.42, M65.49)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for De Quervain's Synovitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Radial Styloid TenosynovitisDe Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to De Quervain's Synovitis

M65.4-M65.49Primary Range

Radial styloid tenosynovitis [de Quervain]

This range includes all codes related to De Quervain's synovitis, specifying laterality.

Occupational exposure to other risk factors

Used for cases where De Quervain's synovitis is related to occupational exposure.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M65.4Radial styloid tenosynovitis [de Quervain]Use when De Quervain's synovitis is confirmed but laterality is unspecified.
  • Positive Finkelstein test
  • Ultrasound showing thickened tendon sheath
M65.41Radial styloid tenosynovitis, right wristUse when De Quervain's synovitis is confirmed in the right wrist.
  • Positive Finkelstein test on right wrist
  • Ultrasound confirmation
M65.42Radial styloid tenosynovitis, left wristUse when De Quervain's synovitis is confirmed in the left wrist.
  • Positive Finkelstein test on left wrist
  • Ultrasound confirmation
M65.49Radial styloid tenosynovitis, unspecified wristUse when laterality is not documented.
  • General symptoms without specific 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 De Quervain's synovitis

Essential facts and insights about De Quervain's Synovitis

The ICD-10 code for De Quervain's synovitis is M65.4, with M65.41 for the right wrist and M65.42 for the left wrist.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dequervains synovitis

Radial styloid tenosynovitis [de Quervain]
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of pain and swelling over the radial styloid.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented laterality and occupational exposure if applicable.

Applicable To

  • De Quervain's disease
  • De Quervain's syndrome

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive Finkelstein test
  • Ultrasound showing thickened tendon sheath

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of unspecified laterality leading to incorrect billing.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Occupational exposure to other risk factors

Z57.8
Use when condition is related to occupational exposure.

Differential Codes

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

Trigger finger

M65.3
Involves fingers rather than wrist.

Radial styloid bursitis

M70.03
Inflammation isolated to bursa, not tendons.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting De Quervain's Synovitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M65.4.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate patient records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always verify laterality before coding., Use checklists to ensure all documentation elements are present.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laterality is documented as right, left, or bilateral.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality in EHR systems.

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 De Quervain's Synovitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for De Quervain's Synovitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for De Quervain's Synovitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Occupational Medicine Evaluation

Specialty: Occupational Medicine

Required Elements

  • Subjective complaints
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: "35F packaging worker reports 6 weeks of R wrist pain worsening with repetitive grasping. Rates pain 7/10 VAS." **Objective**: TTP over 1st dorsal compartment, Finkelstein test (+) with audible crepitus, Grip strength R=15 lbs vs L=45 lbs **Assessment**: M65.41 (De Quervain's tenosynovitis, right) **Plan**: Work restrictions: no repetitive gripping >2 lbs

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Wrist pain
Good Documentation Example
Positive Finkelstein test with crepitus over APL/EPB tendons, right wrist
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and laterality, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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