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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.521

M21.521

Billable

Acquired clubhand, right hand

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.521 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired clubhand, right hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired clubhand, also known as radial club hand, is a congenital or acquired deformity characterized by a shortened radius and a deviation of the wrist and hand towards the ulnar side. In cases of acquired clubhand, the condition may develop due to trauma, infection, or other pathological processes that affect the growth and development of the forearm bones. The right hand is specifically affected in this code, indicating a unilateral condition. Patients may present with functional limitations, including difficulty in grasping and manipulating objects, which can significantly impact daily activities. Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including orthopedic intervention, physical therapy, and possibly surgical correction to improve function and appearance. Surgical options may include osteotomy, tendon transfers, or the use of prosthetics to enhance hand function. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the patient's history and the specific nature of the deformity, as well as any associated conditions that may be present.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation between congenital and acquired forms
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity
  • Potential for associated conditions (e.g., syndromes)
  • Need for detailed documentation of functional impairment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the acquired nature of the condition
  • Failure to specify the affected side
  • Lack of detailed functional assessment
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the deformity, treatment plan, and functional assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with wrist deformities, post-traumatic deformities, or congenital anomalies requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the acquired nature of the condition and any prior treatments or interventions.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Therapy notes detailing functional limitations, treatment goals, and progress.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-surgery or those with functional impairments due to clubhand.

Billing Considerations

Focus on documenting specific functional deficits and improvements over time.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.521 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M21
  • 521 should be used when the condition is specifically acquired and affects the right hand
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and that the condition is not congenital

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.521 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25447CPT Code

Osteotomy, radius

Clinical Scenario

Used in surgical correction of acquired clubhand deformity.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and rationale.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must support the need for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired clubhand, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired clubhand, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired clubhand, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between congenital and acquired clubhand?

Congenital clubhand is present at birth due to developmental issues, while acquired clubhand develops later due to trauma, infection, or other factors affecting bone growth.