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ICD-10 Coding for Rotator Cuff Tear Left Shoulder(M75.122, S46.012A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Rotator Cuff Tear Left Shoulder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff InjuryLeft Shoulder Tendon Tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Rotator Cuff Tear Left Shoulder

M75.1-M75.12Primary Range

Non-traumatic rotator cuff tear or rupture

This range includes codes for non-traumatic tears of the rotator cuff, specifying laterality and completeness of the tear.

Traumatic rupture of rotator cuff

This range covers traumatic tears of the rotator cuff, specifying laterality and acute nature.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M75.122Complete rotator cuff tear or rupture of left shoulder, not specified as traumaticUse when documentation specifies a complete, non-traumatic tear of the left shoulder.
  • MRI showing full-thickness tear
  • No history of acute trauma
S46.012ATraumatic rupture of rotator cuff of left shoulderUse when documentation specifies a traumatic event leading to the tear.
  • MRI showing acute tendon disruption
  • Documented history of trauma

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 non-traumatic rotator cuff tear left shoulder

Essential facts and insights about Rotator Cuff Tear Left Shoulder

The ICD-10 code for a complete non-traumatic rotator cuff tear of the left shoulder is M75.122.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for rotator cuff tear left shoulder

Complete rotator cuff tear or rupture of left shoulder, not specified as traumatic
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI confirms full-thickness tear without trauma history.

documentation Criteria

  • Patient history lacks any acute injury event.

Applicable To

  • Chronic degenerative tear
  • Full-thickness tear

Excludes

  • Traumatic rupture of rotator cuff (S46.012A)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing full-thickness tear
  • No history of acute trauma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if trauma is not ruled out

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies non-traumatic nature and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Rotator cuff tendinitis

M75.3
Use if inflammation coexists with the tear.

Superior glenoid labrum lesion

S43.43
Use if confirmed via MRI arthrogram.

Differential Codes

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

Traumatic rupture of rotator cuff of left shoulder

S46.012A
Use if the tear is due to an acute traumatic event.

Complete rotator cuff tear or rupture of left shoulder, not specified as traumatic

M75.122
Use if the tear is chronic and not related to trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Rotator Cuff Tear Left Shoulder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M75.122.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Thorough patient interviews, Detailed documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced payments., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality, such as M75.122 for left shoulder.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can affect DRG assignment., Compliance: Risk of audit findings for incorrect coding., Data Quality: Misrepresents patient condition and treatment needs.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify trauma history and document clearly.

Impact

Misclassification of traumatic tears as non-traumatic.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of trauma history.

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 Rotator Cuff Tear Left Shoulder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Rotator Cuff Tear Left Shoulder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Rotator Cuff Tear Left Shoulder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic rotator cuff tear without trauma

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Clinical examination findings

Example Documentation

62M with 6-month history of left shoulder pain worsening at night. No trauma. MRI shows full-thickness supraspinatus tear.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder pain, likely rotator cuff.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with left shoulder pain, MRI confirms full-thickness tear, no trauma history.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality, imaging confirmation, and absence of trauma.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Rotator Cuff Tear Left Shoulder? Ask your questions below.

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