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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.831

M21.831

Billable

Other specified acquired deformities of right forearm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.831 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified acquired deformities of right forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M21.831 refers to acquired deformities of the right forearm that are not classified elsewhere. These deformities can arise from various causes, including trauma, infections, or underlying medical conditions that lead to structural changes in the forearm. Common examples include post-fracture malunion, where the bone heals in an abnormal position, or conditions such as Dupuytren's contracture, which causes the fingers to bend towards the palm. The deformities may affect the function of the forearm and hand, leading to limitations in movement and dexterity. Treatment often involves physical therapy, splinting, or surgical interventions to correct the deformity and restore function. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes for deformities
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation to specify the nature of the deformity
  • Differentiation from other similar codes
  • Potential for multiple co-existing conditions affecting the forearm

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the deformity's specifics
  • Failure to link the deformity to a specific clinical scenario
  • Misclassification of the deformity type
  • Lack of supporting evidence for the acquired nature of the deformity

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the deformity, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-fracture deformities, congenital deformities presenting later in life.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions and their outcomes are documented clearly.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments, therapy progress notes, and patient-reported outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following corrective surgery for forearm deformities.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of the deformity on daily activities and quality of life.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.831 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the deformity is acquired and not congenital
  • Document the specific nature of the deformity and any related conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.831 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25447CPT Code

Osteotomy, forearm

Clinical Scenario

Used for correcting malunion of forearm fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative assessments, surgical notes, and post-operative follow-ups.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery and expected 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 patient records and reimbursement processes. M21.831 provides a clear designation for acquired deformities of the right forearm, which was less specific in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acquired deformities, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. M21.831 provides a clear designation for acquired deformities of the right forearm, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M21.831 provides a clear designation for acquired deformities of the right forearm, which was less specific in ICD-9.

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 M21.831?

M21.831 includes various acquired deformities of the right forearm, such as malunions from fractures, contractures, and other structural changes resulting from trauma or disease.