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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.83

M21.83

Billable

Other specified acquired deformities of forearm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.83 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified acquired deformities of forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M21.83 refers to acquired deformities of the forearm that are not classified elsewhere. These deformities can arise from various causes, including trauma, infections, or conditions such as arthritis. Acquired deformities may manifest as changes in bone structure, joint alignment, or soft tissue, leading to functional impairments. Common examples include malunion or nonunion of fractures, which can result in angular deformities, or conditions like Dupuytren's contracture, which affects the tendons and can lead to finger flexion deformities. The forearm's complex anatomy, including the radius and ulna bones, as well as the surrounding muscles and tendons, makes these deformities particularly challenging to diagnose and treat. Treatment options may include physical therapy, splinting, or surgical interventions such as osteotomy or tendon release, depending on the severity and nature of the deformity. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the patient's history and the specific characteristics of the deformity.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes (trauma, disease, etc.)
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation to specify the deformity
  • Differentiation from congenital deformities
  • Potential for multiple co-existing conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the deformity's specifics
  • Failure to link the deformity to a specific clinical condition
  • Misclassification of congenital vs. acquired deformities
  • Lack of supporting evidence for surgical interventions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pre/post-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fracture malunion, post-surgical deformities, and tendon injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions are clearly documented, including indications and outcomes.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following trauma or surgery, management of chronic pain related to deformities.

Billing Considerations

Document functional limitations and the impact on daily activities to support the need for therapy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.83 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M21
  • 83 should be used when the specific acquired deformity of the forearm is documented but does not fit into other specified categories
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the deformity is indeed acquired

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.83 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25400CPT Code

Osteotomy, radius or ulna

Clinical Scenario

Used for correcting malunion of forearm fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document pre-operative assessments and post-operative outcomes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acquired deformities, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M21.83 provides a distinct code for acquired conditions that were previously lumped together, enhancing data quality for research and clinical outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acquired deformities, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M21.83 provides a distinct code for acquired conditions that were previously lumped together, enhancing data quality for research and clinical outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acquired deformities, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M21.83 provides a distinct code for acquired conditions that were previously lumped together, enhancing data quality for research and clinical outcomes.

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 types of conditions are classified under M21.83?

M21.83 includes various acquired deformities of the forearm, such as those resulting from trauma, infections, or degenerative diseases, but excludes congenital deformities.