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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM62.40

M62.40

Billable

Contracture of muscle, unspecified site

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M62.40 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of contracture of muscle, unspecified site.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Contracture of muscle refers to the permanent shortening of muscle fibers, which can lead to restricted movement and functional impairment. This condition can arise from various underlying causes, including prolonged immobility, neurological disorders, or inflammatory conditions such as myositis. In myositis, inflammation of the muscle tissue can lead to weakness and contractures due to muscle damage and fibrosis. Muscle weakness, often associated with neuromuscular conditions, can exacerbate contractures as the affected muscles are unable to maintain normal length and function. Contractures can occur in any muscle group but are often seen in the limbs, particularly in patients with conditions that limit mobility. The unspecified site designation indicates that the specific muscle group affected is not documented, which can complicate treatment and rehabilitation efforts. Understanding the underlying cause of the contracture is crucial for effective management, which may include physical therapy, stretching exercises, and in some cases, surgical intervention to release the contracted muscle.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity regarding the muscle group affected
  • Potential overlap with other muscle disorders
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to establish the cause
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on underlying conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the muscle group affected
  • Failure to document the underlying cause of the contracture
  • Inconsistent coding with clinical findings
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the patient's functional status, specific muscle groups affected, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with post-stroke contractures, orthopedic injuries leading to muscle shortening, or chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Billing Considerations

Emphasis on functional outcomes and rehabilitation goals is crucial for accurate coding.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological assessment, including muscle strength testing and identification of neuromuscular conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with myositis, muscular dystrophies, or other neuromuscular disorders presenting with contractures.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should clearly link the contracture to the underlying neurological condition.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M62.40 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M62
  • 40 should be used when the contracture is not specified to a particular muscle group
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M62.40 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97110CPT Code

Therapeutic exercises

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients undergoing rehabilitation for muscle contractures.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the specific exercises performed and the patient's progress.

Specialty Considerations

Physical therapy notes should clearly outline the rationale for therapy related to contractures.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding muscle disorders, but M62.40 remains a general code that requires careful documentation to avoid ambiguity.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding muscle disorders, but M62.40 remains a general code that requires careful documentation to avoid ambiguity.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding muscle disorders, but M62.40 remains a general code that requires careful documentation to avoid ambiguity.

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 significance of using M62.40?

M62.40 is used when a patient presents with a muscle contracture that is not specified to a particular site. It is important for coders to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and any underlying conditions.