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ICD-10 Coding for Right Wrist Tendonitis(M65.841, M65.4)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Wrist Tendonitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Right Wrist TenosynovitisRight Wrist Synovitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Wrist Tendonitis

M65.8-M65.9Primary Range

Other synovitis and tenosynovitis

This range includes specific codes for synovitis and tenosynovitis of the wrist, including laterality.

Radial styloid tenosynovitis [de Quervain]

This code is used for cases specifically involving de Quervain's tenosynovitis, which affects the thumb-side tendons.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M65.841Other synovitis and tenosynovitis, right wristUse when there is confirmed synovitis or tenosynovitis of the right wrist.
  • Physical exam showing tenderness over wrist tendons
  • MRI or ultrasound confirming inflammation
M65.4Radial styloid tenosynovitis [de Quervain]Use when de Quervain's tenosynovitis is confirmed.
  • Positive Finkelstein test
  • Pain on the radial side of the wrist

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 right wrist tendonitis

Essential facts and insights about Right Wrist Tendonitis

The ICD-10 code for right wrist tendonitis is M65.841, indicating synovitis and tenosynovitis of the right wrist.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right wrist tendonitis

Other synovitis and tenosynovitis, right wrist
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed inflammation of right wrist tendons via imaging.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'right wrist tenosynovitis' in medical records.

Applicable To

  • Right wrist tenosynovitis
  • Right wrist synovitis

Excludes

  • De Quervain's tenosynovitis (M65.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam showing tenderness over wrist tendons
  • MRI or ultrasound confirming inflammation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes like M65.9 without laterality.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'right wrist' and confirms tenosynovitis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right wrist

M25.531
Use to document associated pain symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Radial styloid tenosynovitis [de Quervain]

M65.4
Use when Finkelstein test is positive and pain is radial-sided.

Other synovitis and tenosynovitis, right wrist

M65.841
Use for non-de Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Wrist Tendonitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M65.841.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality using M65.841 for right wrist.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code.

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 Wrist Tendonitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Wrist Tendonitis

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

Chronic right wrist tendonitis

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Specific tendon involvement
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic right wrist pain. MRI shows tenosynovitis of the extensor carpi ulnaris. Diagnosis: M65.841.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has wrist pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has right wrist pain with confirmed tenosynovitis on MRI. Diagnosis: M65.841.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and confirms diagnosis with imaging.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Wrist Tendonitis? Ask your questions below.

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