ICD-10 Coding for Right Thumb Pain(M19.041, S60.401A, G56.01, M79.644)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Thumb Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Right Thumb Pain
M19.041Primary Range
Primary osteoarthritis, right hand
Used for coding osteoarthritis affecting the right thumb.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb
Used for coding carpal tunnel syndrome affecting the right thumb.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M19.041 | Primary osteoarthritis, right hand | Use when osteoarthritis is confirmed in the right thumb. |
|
| S60.401A | Contusion of unspecified finger without damage to nail, initial encounter | Use for acute traumatic injuries to the right thumb. |
|
| G56.01 | Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb | Use when CTS is confirmed affecting the right thumb. |
|
| M79.644 | Pain in right finger(s) | Use when pain etiology is unknown or secondary to a primary condition. |
|
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 thumb pain
Essential facts and insights about Right Thumb Pain
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right thumb pain
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of osteophytes and joint degeneration on X-ray.
Applicable To
- Osteoarthritis of the right thumb
Excludes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- X-ray showing joint space narrowing
- Positive CMC grind test
Code-Specific Risks
- Misdiagnosis without imaging confirmation
Coding Notes
- Ensure imaging supports diagnosis.
S60.401A - Contusion of unspecified finger without damage to nail, initial encounter
Use for acute traumatic injuries to the right thumb.
Applicable To
- Bruise of right thumb
Excludes
- Fracture of thumb
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented mechanism of injury
- Physical exam showing ecchymosis
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation of trauma event.
G56.01 - Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb
Use when CTS is confirmed affecting the right thumb.
Applicable To
- CTS affecting right thumb
Excludes
- Ulnar nerve lesion
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive Tinel’s and Phalen’s tests
- EMG confirming median nerve compression
Coding Notes
Confirm with nerve conduction studies.
M79.644 - Pain in right finger(s)
Use when pain etiology is unknown or secondary to a primary condition.
Applicable To
- Chronic pain in right thumb
Excludes
- Specific conditions like osteoarthritis or CTS
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Persistent pain without specific diagnosis
Coding Notes
Use as a secondary code when specific diagnosis is known.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Pain in right finger(s)
M79.644Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Thumb Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.041.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or delays.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific clinical terminology, Include comprehensive patient history
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use condition-specific codes like M19.041 for osteoarthritis.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential claim denials., Compliance: Violation of coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Ambiguous data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify 'right' or 'left' in documentation.
Impact
Using non-specific codes when specific conditions are diagnosed.
Mitigation Strategy
Regular training on ICD-10 coding updates and guidelines.
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 Thumb Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Right Thumb Pain
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Right Thumb Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Osteoarthritis with referred pain from CTS
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Functional limitations
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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