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ICD-10 Coding for Rotator Cuff Tendinitis(M75.31, M75.32)

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

Also known as:

Shoulder TendinitisRotator Cuff SyndromeShoulder Impingement Syndromesupraspinatus tendinitisinfraspinatus tendinitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

M75.3-M75.4Primary Range

Tendinitis of the shoulder region

This range includes specific codes for tendinitis of the rotator cuff, detailing the specific tendons involved.

Bursitis of shoulder

Used when bursitis coexists with rotator cuff tendinitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M75.31Tendinitis of supraspinatusUse when supraspinatus tendon is specifically involved and confirmed by imaging.
  • MRI or ultrasound showing supraspinatus tendon inflammation without tear
  • Positive Hawkins-Kennedy test
M75.32Tendinitis of infraspinatusUse when infraspinatus tendon is specifically involved and confirmed by imaging.
  • MRI or ultrasound showing infraspinatus tendon inflammation without tear
  • Positive external rotation resistance test

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 rotator cuff tendinitis

Essential facts and insights about Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

The ICD-10 code for rotator cuff tendinitis is M75.3-, with specific codes for each tendon involved.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for rotator cuff tendinitis

Tendinitis of supraspinatus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of supraspinatus tendon inflammation on imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of specific tendon involvement

Applicable To

  • Supraspinatus tendinitis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI or ultrasound showing supraspinatus tendon inflammation without tear
  • Positive Hawkins-Kennedy test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as rotator cuff tear

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging confirms tendinitis without tear.

Ancillary Codes

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

Bursitis of shoulder

M75.5
Use if subacromial bursitis is present alongside tendinitis.

Differential Codes

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

Rotator cuff tear

M75.1
Confirmed tear on imaging, weakness on empty can test.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Rotator Cuff Tendinitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M75.31.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific tendon names, Ensure imaging supports diagnosis

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M75.3- codes when imaging confirms tendinitis without tear.

Impact

Risk of using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific tendon and imaging correlation.

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

Documentation Templates for Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

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

Chronic shoulder pain with confirmed tendinitis

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Specific tendon involvement

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic right shoulder pain. MRI shows supraspinatus tendinitis without tear. Positive Hawkins-Kennedy test.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder pain, refer to PT.
Good Documentation Example
Right shoulder pain with supraspinatus tendinitis confirmed by MRI. Positive Hawkins test.
Explanation
The good example provides specific tendon involvement and imaging confirmation.

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

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