ICD-10 Coding for Elbow Bursitis(M70.20, M70.21, M70.22, M71.12)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elbow Bursitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Elbow Bursitis
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M70.20 | Olecranon bursitis, unspecified elbow | Use when laterality is not specified and no infection is present. |
|
| M70.21 | Olecranon bursitis, right elbow | Use when right elbow is affected and no infection is present. |
|
| M70.22 | Olecranon bursitis, left elbow | Use when left elbow is affected and no infection is present. |
|
| M71.12 | Infective bursitis, left elbow | Use when infection is confirmed in the left elbow. |
|
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 elbow bursitis
Essential facts and insights about Elbow Bursitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elbow bursitis
Decision Criteria
documentation Criteria
- Laterality not specified
Applicable To
- Elbow bursitis not specified as right or left
Excludes
- Infective bursitis (M71.1-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Swelling over olecranon
- No signs of infection
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of denial if laterality is documented but not coded
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies absence of infection.
M70.21 - Olecranon bursitis, right elbow
Use when right elbow is affected and no infection is present.
Applicable To
- Right elbow bursitis
Excludes
- Infective bursitis (M71.11)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Swelling over right olecranon
- No signs of infection
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies right elbow and absence of infection.
M70.22 - Olecranon bursitis, left elbow
Use when left elbow is affected and no infection is present.
Applicable To
- Left elbow bursitis
Excludes
- Infective bursitis (M71.12)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Swelling over left olecranon
- No signs of infection
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies left elbow and absence of infection.
M71.12 - Infective bursitis, left elbow
Use when infection is confirmed in the left elbow.
Applicable To
- Septic bursitis of left elbow
Excludes
- Non-infective bursitis (M70.22)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive culture from aspirate
- Signs of infection (fever, erythema)
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes infection confirmation and organism identification.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Infective bursitis, unspecified site
M71.10Infective bursitis, right elbow
M71.11Infective bursitis, left elbow
M71.12Olecranon bursitis, left elbow
M70.22Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elbow Bursitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M70.20.
Impact
Clinical: Potential for incorrect treatment if laterality is unclear., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Possible claim denials or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use templates that prompt for laterality., Review documentation for completeness before submission.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate representation of patient condition., Regulatory: Increased audit risk due to coding discrepancies., Financial: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure culture results are documented., Include infection status in the assessment section.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality if documented in the medical record.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting payment., Compliance: Potential audit issues due to incorrect coding., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of patient condition.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify presence of infection through clinical documentation before coding.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when laterality is documented can lead to audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Always verify and code laterality when documented.
Impact
Lack of infection documentation can result in incorrect coding and audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure infection status is clearly documented and coded.
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 Elbow Bursitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Elbow Bursitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elbow Bursitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Non-septic olecranon bursitis
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Location and laterality
- Duration of symptoms
- Physical exam findings
- Aspirate results if applicable
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Septic olecranon bursitis
Specialty: Infectious DiseaseRequired Elements
- Location and laterality
- Signs of infection
- Aspirate and culture results
- Causative organism
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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