ICD-10 Coding for Tenosynovitis(M65.4, M65.81)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Tenosynovitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Tenosynovitis
M65-M65.9Primary Range
Synovitis and tenosynovitis
This range includes all forms of tenosynovitis, including De Quervain's and other specified and unspecified types.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M65.4 | Radial styloid tenosynovitis [De Quervain] | Use for confirmed cases of De Quervain's tenosynovitis with documented clinical findings. |
|
| M65.81 | Other specified synovitis and tenosynovitis | Use for tenosynovitis affecting tendons other than those involved in De Quervain's. |
|
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 De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Essential facts and insights about Tenosynovitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tenosynovitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of radial wrist pain and positive Finkelstein test
Applicable To
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Excludes
- Infectious tenosynovitis (M65.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive Finkelstein test
- Radial wrist swelling
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as unspecified tenosynovitis
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented when applicable.
M65.81 - Other specified synovitis and tenosynovitis
Use for tenosynovitis affecting tendons other than those involved in De Quervain's.
Applicable To
- Non-De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Excludes
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis (M65.4)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Localized non-radial tendon pain
Coding Notes
Ensure specific tendon involvement is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Left wrist synovitis and tenosynovitis
M65.841Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tenosynovitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M65.4.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the side affected.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like M65.4 for De Quervain's when applicable.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.
Mitigation Strategy
Regular training on code updates and specificity.
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 Tenosynovitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Tenosynovitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Tenosynovitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis diagnosis
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Location of pain
- Provocative test results
- Imaging findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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