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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.0

M66.0

Billable

Rupture of popliteal cyst

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rupture of popliteal cyst.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A popliteal cyst, also known as a Baker's cyst, is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee, typically due to the accumulation of synovial fluid. This condition often arises from underlying knee joint disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or meniscal tears, which lead to increased synovial fluid production. When the cyst ruptures, it can cause sudden swelling and pain in the knee and calf region, mimicking deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms. The rupture may lead to fluid leakage into the surrounding tissues, resulting in inflammation and discomfort. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through physical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI. Treatment options may include conservative management with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as aspiration of the cyst or corticosteroid injections. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying cause or to remove the cyst. Accurate coding for a rupture of a popliteal cyst is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between rupture and non-rupture of the cyst
  • Identifying underlying conditions contributing to the cyst formation
  • Documenting associated symptoms accurately
  • Understanding the implications of surgical versus non-surgical treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the rupture event
  • Failure to document associated knee disorders
  • Misclassification of the condition as a simple cyst without rupture
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee pain and swelling, particularly after physical activity or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly distinguishes between the cyst and other knee pathologies.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of underlying inflammatory conditions and their impact on the cyst.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presenting with knee swelling.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between systemic conditions and local manifestations.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M66
  • 0 should be used when there is clear documentation of a rupture of the popliteal cyst
  • It is important to include any relevant underlying conditions that may have contributed to the rupture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.0 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not involve rupture or are unrelated to the popliteal cyst

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

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

Clinical Scenario

Used when aspirating a ruptured popliteal cyst.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for aspiration, the amount of fluid removed, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the procedure is well-documented to support 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 ruptured popliteal cysts, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like ruptured popliteal cysts, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 are the common symptoms of a ruptured popliteal cyst?

Common symptoms include sudden swelling behind the knee, pain in the knee or calf, and sometimes a feeling of tightness or fullness in the area.

How is a ruptured popliteal cyst diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm the presence of a ruptured cyst.

What treatment options are available for a ruptured popliteal cyst?

Treatment may include conservative measures like rest and ice, aspiration of the cyst, corticosteroid injections, or surgical intervention if necessary.