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ICD-10 Coding for Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome(G56.21)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at ElbowUlnar Neuropathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

G56.2-G56.22Primary Range

Lesions of ulnar nerve

This range includes codes for lesions of the ulnar nerve, specifying laterality.

Medial epicondylitis

Used when medial epicondylitis coexists with cubital tunnel syndrome.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right cubital tunnel syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for right cubital tunnel syndrome is G56.21, indicating a lesion of the ulnar nerve in the right upper limb.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right cubital tunnel syndrome

Lesion of ulnar nerve, right upper limb
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ulnar nerve symptoms in the 4th and 5th fingers.

documentation Criteria

  • Electrodiagnostic studies confirming ulnar nerve involvement.

Applicable To

  • Right cubital tunnel syndrome

Excludes

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (G56.01)
  • Cervical radiculopathy (G54.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Nerve conduction velocity <50 m/s at elbow
  • Positive Tinel’s sign at elbow

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with carpal tunnel syndrome codes
  • Incorrect laterality coding

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified code usage.

Ancillary Codes

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

Nerve conduction studies

95900-95904
Required for surgical planning and confirmation of diagnosis.

Medial epicondylitis

M77.12
Use when medial epicondylitis is present with cubital tunnel syndrome.

Differential Codes

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

Carpal tunnel syndrome

G56.01
Symptoms primarily in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Cervical radiculopathy

G54.2
Symptoms include neck pain and radiating arm pain, confirmed by imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G56.21.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure EMG/NCV tests are performed and documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'right' to use G56.21.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim rejections., Compliance: Violates coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Misrepresents patient condition in records.

Mitigation Strategy

Differentiate based on symptom distribution and confirm with tests.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory laterality checks in documentation workflow.

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 Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diagnosis of Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Physical exam findings
  • Electrodiagnostic test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with numbness in the 4th and 5th fingers, positive Tinel’s sign at the elbow. EMG shows NCV of 47 m/s at the cubital tunnel. Plan: Surgical consult.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has arm pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports numbness in the 4th and 5th fingers, positive Tinel’s sign at elbow. EMG confirms right ulnar neuropathy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, test results, and confirms the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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