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ICD-10 Coding for Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear(M75.122)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Rotator Cuff TearSupraspinatus Tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear

M75.1-M75.12Primary Range

Rotator cuff tear or rupture, not specified as traumatic

This range includes codes for non-traumatic rotator cuff tears, specifying laterality and completeness.

Injury of muscle and tendon of the rotator cuff of shoulder

This range is used for traumatic tears of the rotator cuff, requiring documentation of an acute injury.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left shoulder rotator cuff tear

Essential facts and insights about Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear

The ICD-10 code for a complete non-traumatic tear of the left shoulder rotator cuff is M75.122.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left shoulder rotator cuff tear

Complete rotator cuff tear or rupture of left shoulder, not specified as traumatic
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI confirms full-thickness tear without trauma history

documentation Criteria

  • Laterality and completeness must be documented

Applicable To

  • Complete tear of left rotator cuff
  • Rupture of left rotator cuff

Excludes

  • Traumatic tear of left rotator cuff (S46.012A)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI or ultrasound confirmation of complete tear
  • Documentation of no acute trauma history
  • Physical exam findings of weakness and limited range of motion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with traumatic tear codes
  • Omission of laterality in documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'complete' and 'non-traumatic' to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use to document associated shoulder pain.

Impingement syndrome of left shoulder

M75.41
Use if impingement syndrome is present.

Differential Codes

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

Strain of muscle(s) and tendon(s) of the rotator cuff of left shoulder, initial encounter

S46.012A
Use when there is a documented acute injury causing the tear.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M75.122.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to potential misdiagnosis or treatment errors., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Results in claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document 'left' or 'right' in clinical notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of patient records and data analysis.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify trauma history and use M75.122 for non-traumatic cases.

Impact

High risk of audit if laterality is not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory laterality checks 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 Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic Left Shoulder Pain with Rotator Cuff Tear

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history of shoulder pain
  • Imaging results confirming tear
  • Physical exam findings
  • Surgical plan if applicable

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left shoulder pain, likely rotator cuff issue
Good Documentation Example
60yo female with 6-month history of progressive left shoulder weakness. MRI dated 3/24/25 reveals complete full-thickness tear of supraspinatus tendon with 1.5cm medial retraction. No recalled traumatic injury.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and rules out trauma, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear? Ask your questions below.

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