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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM61.20

M61.20

Billable

Paralytic calcification and ossification of muscle, unspecified site

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M61.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of paralytic calcification and ossification of muscle, unspecified site.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Paralytic calcification and ossification of muscle refers to the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in muscle tissue, often resulting from prolonged immobilization or denervation of muscles. This condition can occur in various neuromuscular disorders, where muscle weakness or paralysis leads to disuse and subsequent calcification. The calcification can cause stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion in the affected muscles. It is often seen in patients with conditions such as myositis, where inflammation of the muscle tissue can predispose to calcification. The unspecified site indicates that the exact location of the calcification is not documented, which can complicate treatment and management. Clinicians must be vigilant in monitoring patients with muscle weakness or paralysis for signs of this condition, as early intervention can help mitigate complications. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to visualize the calcified areas, alongside a thorough clinical evaluation to assess muscle function and strength.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified site can lead to ambiguity in documentation.
  • Requires understanding of underlying neuromuscular conditions.
  • Potential overlap with other muscle disorders.
  • Need for precise clinical documentation to support coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of muscle weakness or paralysis.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.
  • Inconsistent terminology used in clinical notes.
  • Failure to document the duration of immobilization.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, including muscle strength and reflexes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with myasthenia gravis or post-stroke muscle weakness.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the timeline of muscle weakness and any interventions.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments and rehabilitation goals.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery or neurological events.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the impact of calcification on rehabilitation outcomes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M61.20 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M61
  • 20 should be used when there is clear documentation of paralytic calcification without a specified site
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying cause of muscle weakness or paralysis is also documented to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M61.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

73030CPT Code

Radiologic examination, muscle, extremity

Clinical Scenario

Used when imaging is performed to assess for calcification in muscles.

Documentation Requirements

Radiology report must clearly indicate the presence of calcification.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology and PM&R specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of muscle disorders, including paralytic calcification. This specificity aids in better tracking of conditions and outcomes, although it requires more detailed documentation from providers.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of muscle disorders, including paralytic calcification. This specificity aids in better tracking of conditions and outcomes, although it requires more detailed documentation from providers.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of muscle disorders, including paralytic calcification. This specificity aids in better tracking of conditions and outcomes, although it requires more detailed documentation from providers.

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 primary cause of paralytic calcification?

Paralytic calcification is primarily caused by prolonged immobilization or denervation of muscles, leading to abnormal calcium deposition.

How can I differentiate between calcification and ossification?

Calcification refers to the deposition of calcium salts in soft tissues, while ossification is the process of bone formation. Accurate documentation is essential to distinguish between the two.