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

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

Also known as:

Wrist TendinitisWrist TenosynovitisDe Quervain's Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Wrist Tendonitis

M65.8-M65.9Primary Range

Other synovitis and tenosynovitis

This range includes specific codes for wrist tendonitis, focusing on laterality and specific tendon involvement.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis

This code is used for specific cases of De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a type of wrist tendonitis.

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, left handUse when there is documented left wrist pain with confirmed tenosynovitis.
  • Pain localized to the left wrist with imaging-confirmed tendon sheath inflammation.
M65.4De Quervain's tenosynovitisUse when De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is confirmed by clinical tests.
  • Positive Finkelstein test and radial-sided wrist pain.

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 wrist tendonitis

Essential facts and insights about Wrist Tendonitis

The ICD-10 code for wrist tendonitis is M65.841 for left wrist and M65.4 for De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for wrist tendonitis

Other synovitis and tenosynovitis, left hand
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented left wrist pain with imaging evidence of tenosynovitis.

Applicable To

  • Left wrist tendonitis

Excludes

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (G56.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain localized to the left wrist with imaging-confirmed tendon sheath inflammation.

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation leading to wrong code usage.

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.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

G56.0
Use if carpal tunnel syndrome is present alongside wrist tendonitis.

Differential Codes

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

Carpal tunnel syndrome

G56.0
Presence of nocturnal numbness and positive Tinel’s sign.

Other synovitis and tenosynovitis, left hand

M65.841
General wrist pain without specific radial styloid involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting 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 misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Increases audit risk., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all relevant tests are documented., Use templates to capture necessary details.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laterality is specified and use the appropriate specific code.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes all necessary details for specific coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Wrist Tendonitis

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

Orthopedic evaluation of wrist pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Location and laterality of pain
  • Specific tests performed
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with left wrist pain, positive Finkelstein test, and ultrasound showing synovial thickening.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has wrist pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has left wrist pain with positive Finkelstein test and ultrasound showing synovial thickening.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, test results, and imaging findings, supporting accurate coding.

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

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