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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.931

M21.931

Billable

Unspecified acquired deformity of right forearm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.931 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified acquired deformity of right forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified acquired deformity of the right forearm refers to a structural alteration in the forearm that has developed due to various factors such as trauma, disease, or other medical conditions. These deformities can manifest as changes in bone structure, alignment, or function, often resulting from conditions like fractures that have healed improperly, infections, or inflammatory diseases. The forearm consists of two long bones, the radius and ulna, and deformities can affect one or both of these bones. Symptoms may include pain, reduced range of motion, and functional impairment, impacting daily activities. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, to assess the extent of the deformity. Treatment options may vary based on the severity and underlying cause of the deformity, ranging from conservative management, such as physical therapy, to surgical interventions aimed at correcting the deformity and restoring function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes of deformities.
  • Need for precise documentation to differentiate between types of deformities.
  • Potential for multiple co-existing conditions affecting the forearm.
  • Variability in treatment approaches and their documentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the deformity's cause.
  • Lack of detailed clinical notes regarding the patient's functional limitations.
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions.
  • Failure to document previous treatments or interventions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with post-fracture deformities or chronic pain due to previous injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments and treatment progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring rehabilitation after corrective surgery for forearm deformities.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the impact of the deformity on daily activities and rehabilitation goals.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.931 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the deformity's cause and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.931 When
  • Exclude congenital deformities unless specified otherwise

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25447CPT Code

Osteotomy, forearm

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical correction of the deformity is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and rationale.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must include pre-operative assessments and post-operative follow-ups.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes. M21.931 provides a means to capture cases where the specific nature of the deformity is not documented.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acquired deformities, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M21.931 provides a means to capture cases where the specific nature of the deformity is not documented.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M21.931 provides a means to capture cases where the specific nature of the deformity is not documented.

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 acquired and congenital deformities?

Acquired deformities develop after birth due to factors such as injury or disease, while congenital deformities are present at birth and result from genetic or environmental factors during fetal development.