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ICD-10 Coding for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis(M65.4)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Radial Styloid TenosynovitisDe Quervain's Diseasede quervains syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

M65-M68Primary Range

Disorders of synovium and tendon

This range includes codes for synovitis and tenosynovitis, with M65.4 specifically for de Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for de Quervain's tenosynovitis

Essential facts and insights about De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

The ICD-10 code for de Quervain's tenosynovitis is M65.4, used for radial styloid tenosynovitis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for pectins with different degrees of esterification quervain tenosynovitis

Radial styloid tenosynovitis [de Quervain]
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of radial styloid pain and positive Finkelstein test

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of 'de Quervain's' or 'radial styloid tenosynovitis'

Applicable To

  • De Quervain's tenosynovitis
  • Radial styloid tenosynovitis

Excludes

  • Other synovitis and tenosynovitis (M65.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive Finkelstein test
  • Pain and swelling over the radial styloid
  • Ultrasound showing tendon sheath thickening

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse when documentation lacks specificity
  • Omitting occupational factors when relevant

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies radial styloid involvement for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Occupational exposure to other risk factors

Z57.89
Use when repetitive hand motions are documented as a contributing factor.

Differential Codes

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

Other synovitis and tenosynovitis, unspecified site

M65.849
Use when pain is proximal to radial styloid, not specific to de Quervain's.

Osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint

M18.9
Use when tenderness is at thumb base, not radial styloid.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting De Quervain's 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: Misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific anatomical terms, Document diagnostic tests

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'radial styloid' or 'de Quervain's' to use M65.4.

Impact

Lack of specific anatomical details in documentation

Mitigation Strategy

Implement detailed documentation templates

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 De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic evaluation for wrist pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Special tests performed
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with radial-sided wrist pain, positive Finkelstein's test, swelling over radial styloid. Diagnosed with de Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Wrist pain. Possible tendon issue.
Good Documentation Example
Tenderness over radial styloid with 2cm swelling. Finkelstein test reproduces sharp pain radiating to forearm. Diagnosed de Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific anatomical location and test results, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis? Ask your questions below.

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