Disorders of synovium and tendon

Historical Changes

• •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
• •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
• •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity

Upcoming Changes

• •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
• •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes

Implementation Guidance

• •Review all FY 2026 updates for M65-M67 codes before implementation
• •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
• •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
• +3 more guidance items...

Key Usage Points:

• •Always specify the location of the disorder for accurate coding.
• •For conditions like tenosynovitis, specify whether it's acute or chronic.
• •Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions or complications.
• •When coding for bursitis, specify the type (e.g., septic or nonseptic).
• •Remember to code first any associated underlying disease (if applicable).

When to Use:

• ✓When a patient is diagnosed with synovitis or tenosynovitis.
• ✓When a patient presents with bursitis, regardless of the type.
• ✓When a patient has a disorder of the synovium or tendon due to a specific disease (e.g., gout).
• ✓When a patient has a postprocedural disorder of the synovium or tendon.

When NOT to Use:

• ✗When the patient's condition is not specifically a disorder of the synovium or tendon.
• ✗When the disorder is due to an injury or trauma (these are coded elsewhere).
• ✗When the patient has a disease that affects the synovium or tendon but is not a disorder of these structures.
• ✗When the patient's condition is a disorder of the muscle or bone, rather than the synovium or tendon.

Common Documentation Errors:

• ⚠Not specifying the location of the disorder
• ⚠Not documenting the type of disorder
• ⚠Not including associated conditions or complications
• ⚠Not coding first the underlying disease (if applicable)