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ICD-10 Coding for Hypermobility Syndrome(M35.7, Q79.6)

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

Also known as:

Joint Hypermobility SyndromeBenign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypermobility Syndrome

M35.7Primary Range

Hypermobility Syndrome

Primary code for generalized joint hypermobility with chronic pain or instability.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Used for confirmed Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, differentiated from hypermobility syndrome.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M35.7Hypermobility SyndromeUse when generalized joint hypermobility is present with chronic pain or instability.
  • Beighton score ≥4/9
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain ≥3 months
Q79.6Ehlers-Danlos SyndromeUse when Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is confirmed by criteria.
  • 2017 diagnostic criteria for hEDS
  • Systemic manifestations and family history

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 hypermobility

Essential facts and insights about Hypermobility Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for hypermobility syndrome is M35.7, used for generalized joint hypermobility with chronic pain or instability.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hypermobility

Hypermobility Syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Beighton score ≥4/9 with chronic pain

coding Criteria

  • Differentiate from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Applicable To

  • Generalized joint hypermobility with chronic pain

Excludes

  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (Q79.6)
  • Ligament laxity NOS (M24.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Beighton score ≥4/9
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain ≥3 months

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Lack of specific documentation like Beighton score

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes Beighton score and chronicity of symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gait abnormality

R26.2
Use with M35.7 when mobility aids are required.

Joint pain

M25.5
Use for localized joint pain, sequence after M35.7.

Differential Codes

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

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Q79.6
Confirmed via 2017 criteria, including systemic features and family history.

Hypermobility Syndrome

M35.7
Lacks systemic features and family history required for EDS.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypermobility Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M35.7.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit failure., Financial: Claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure Beighton score is assessed and recorded., Train staff on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z13.89 for screening if no symptoms are present.

Impact

Lack of specific findings like Beighton score can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Standardize documentation templates to include all necessary criteria.

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 Hypermobility Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hypermobility Syndrome

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

Chronic joint instability

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Beighton score
  • Joint instability tests
  • Chronic pain assessment

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** 34F reports bilateral knee instability x6mo, worse with stairs. No trauma. **Objective:** - Beighton 7/9: +5th finger extension, +thumb-to-forearm, +knee/elbow hyperextension. - Lachman test: 2+ laxity bilaterally. - MRI: No meniscal tear; patellar tracking abnormality. **Assessment:** M35.7 (Hypermobility syndrome) with patellofemoral instability. **Plan:** PT for quad strengthening; consider stabilizing brace.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has loose joints.
Good Documentation Example
Beighton score 6/9: positive for thumb-to-forearm, elbow/knee hyperextension. Recurrent patellar subluxations x3 in past year.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and a Beighton score, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hypermobility Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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