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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM61.38

M61.38

Billable

Calcification and ossification of muscles associated with burns, other site

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M61.38 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of calcification and ossification of muscles associated with burns, other site.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Calcification and ossification of muscles associated with burns is a condition characterized by the abnormal deposition of calcium salts and bone-like material in muscle tissue following thermal injury. This process can lead to significant muscle stiffness, pain, and functional impairment. The condition is often a result of the body's healing response to severe burns, where inflammation and tissue damage trigger a cascade of biological processes that can result in ectopic calcification. Patients may experience muscle weakness and reduced mobility, which can complicate rehabilitation efforts. The condition can also be associated with myositis, where inflammation of the muscle tissue occurs, further exacerbating symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to visualize calcifications, alongside clinical evaluation of muscle strength and function. Treatment may include physical therapy, medications to manage pain and inflammation, and in some cases, surgical intervention to remove calcified tissue.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between calcification due to burns and other causes.
  • Need for detailed documentation of burn severity and location.
  • Potential overlap with other muscle disorders like myositis.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment approaches.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of burn severity and location.
  • Failure to document associated muscle weakness or myositis.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.
  • Misclassification of calcification as a primary condition rather than a secondary effect of burns.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Detailed assessment of muscle strength, range of motion, and functional limitations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients recovering from severe burns with muscle stiffness and weakness.

Billing Considerations

Emphasis on rehabilitation goals and progress notes to support ongoing treatment.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the extent of calcification and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical removal of calcified muscle tissue in patients with significant functional impairment.

Billing Considerations

Clear documentation of pre-operative assessments and post-operative outcomes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M61.38 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M61
  • 38 should be used when calcification and ossification of muscles are specifically linked to burns at sites other than the upper limb
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the condition is not due to other etiologies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M61.38 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with M61.38 when treating associated joint pain due to muscle calcification.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the procedure and the relationship to muscle calcification.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure clear linkage between the procedure and the diagnosis.

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 M61.38, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of outcomes related to burn injuries and their complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like M61.38, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of outcomes related to burn injuries and their complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of outcomes related to burn injuries and their complications.

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 calcification in muscles associated with burns?

The primary cause is the body's inflammatory response to thermal injury, which can lead to abnormal mineral deposition in muscle tissue.