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ICD-10 Coding for Wrist Ganglion Cyst(M67.431, M67.432, M67.439)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Wrist Ganglion Cyst. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Ganglion Cyst of the WristWrist Synovial Cyst

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Wrist Ganglion Cyst

M67.43Primary Range

Ganglion of joint, wrist

This range includes specific codes for ganglion cysts of the wrist, differentiated by laterality.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M67.431Ganglion, right wristUse when the ganglion cyst is located on the right wrist.
  • Physical exam noting a mass on the right wrist
  • Imaging confirmation such as ultrasound or MRI
M67.432Ganglion, left wristUse when the ganglion cyst is located on the left wrist.
  • Physical exam noting a mass on the left wrist
  • Imaging confirmation such as ultrasound or MRI
M67.439Ganglion, unspecified wristUse only when laterality cannot be determined.
  • Physical exam noting a mass on the wrist without specified laterality
  • Imaging confirmation without specified laterality

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 wrist ganglion cyst

Essential facts and insights about Wrist Ganglion Cyst

The ICD-10 code for a ganglion cyst on the right wrist is M67.431. Ensure documentation specifies the laterality to use this code.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for wrist ganglion cyst

Ganglion, right wrist
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a cystic mass on the right wrist confirmed by imaging

Applicable To

  • Ganglion cyst of right wrist

Excludes

  • Ganglion of other sites

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam noting a mass on the right wrist
  • Imaging confirmation such as ultrasound or MRI

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified laterality codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Aspiration/injection of ganglion cyst(s)

20612
Use when aspiration or injection procedure is performed.

Differential Codes

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

Ganglion, hand

M67.44
Use if the ganglion is located on the hand rather than the wrist.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Wrist Ganglion Cyst to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M67.431.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment records., Regulatory: Increases risk of non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Can result in denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates for procedure documentation, Ensure all procedure details are included in the note

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Reduces the specificity and quality of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific laterality of the wrist.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when laterality is documented increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific laterality of the wrist.

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 Wrist Ganglion Cyst, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Wrist Ganglion Cyst

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Wrist Ganglion Cyst. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Progress Note (Post-Procedure)

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Subjective pain report
  • Objective findings including mass characteristics
  • Assessment with ICD-10 code
  • Plan including procedure details

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Pt reports 6/10 pain at right dorsal wrist worsening with keyboard use. **Objective**: 2 cm fluctuant mass, right dorsal wrist, transilluminates (+) **Assessment**: Recurrent ganglion cyst, right wrist (M67.431) **Plan**: CPT 25112: Excision of recurrent ganglion

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Wrist cyst aspirated.
Good Documentation Example
20-gauge needle aspiration of 1.8 cm left volar wrist ganglion cyst under ultrasound guidance; 0.5 mL viscous fluid obtained.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure, location, and outcome, which supports accurate coding and billing.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Wrist Ganglion Cyst? Ask your questions below.

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