ICD-10 Coding for Medial Epicondylitis(M77.01, M77.02)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Medial Epicondylitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Medial Epicondylitis
M77.00-M77.02Primary Range
Medial epicondylitis
This range includes all codes for medial epicondylitis, specifying laterality.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M77.01 | Medial epicondylitis, right elbow | Use when the diagnosis of medial epicondylitis is confirmed and affects the right elbow. |
|
| M77.02 | Medial epicondylitis, left elbow | Use when the diagnosis of medial epicondylitis is confirmed and affects 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 medial epicondylitis
Essential facts and insights about Medial Epicondylitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for medial epicondylitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of tenderness over medial epicondyle and positive resisted wrist flexion test
Applicable To
- Golfer's elbow, right
Excludes
- Lateral epicondylitis (M77.11)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Tenderness over medial epicondyle
- Pain with resisted wrist flexion
- Ultrasound showing tendon hypoechogenicity
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using unspecified code if laterality is documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
M77.02 - Medial epicondylitis, left elbow
Use when the diagnosis of medial epicondylitis is confirmed and affects the left elbow.
Applicable To
- Golfer's elbow, left
Excludes
- Lateral epicondylitis (M77.12)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Tenderness over medial epicondyle
- Pain with resisted wrist flexion
- Ultrasound showing tendon hypoechogenicity
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.
X-ray of elbow
73070Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Medial Epicondylitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M77.01.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always verify and document the affected side during patient evaluation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific laterality (right or left) when available.
Impact
Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality documentation.
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 Medial Epicondylitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Medial Epicondylitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Medial Epicondylitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Orthopedic Evaluation for Medial Epicondylitis
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Diagnosis and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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