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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.176

M66.176

Billable

Rupture of synovium, unspecified foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.176 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rupture of synovium, unspecified foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rupture of the synovium in the foot is a condition characterized by the tearing of the synovial membrane that surrounds joints and tendons. This membrane plays a crucial role in joint health by producing synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and reduces friction during movement. A rupture can occur due to trauma, overuse, or underlying inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Symptoms may include localized swelling, pain, and limited range of motion in the affected area. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and sometimes aspiration of joint fluid to assess for inflammation or infection. Treatment options may vary from conservative management, including rest and physical therapy, to surgical intervention for severe cases. Surgical repair may involve debridement of the damaged synovium or reconstruction of the joint capsule. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of treatment outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of the rupture's location and extent
  • Differentiation from other synovial disorders such as tenosynovitis
  • Potential for co-existing conditions that may complicate coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the affected joint or tendon
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute foot pain following trauma or chronic pain due to repetitive stress.

Billing Considerations

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

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of joint involvement, history of inflammatory conditions, and response to previous treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presenting with new joint symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic symptoms or laboratory findings that may indicate an underlying rheumatologic condition.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.176 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the rupture is confirmed and not merely suspected
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable
  • Ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated procedures

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.176 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

29875CPT Code

Arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with a ruptured synovium undergoes arthroscopic evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and findings during the arthroscopy.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the surgical report clearly outlines the findings and procedures performed.

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 synovial ruptures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M66.176 provides a clear designation for unspecified ruptures, which can help in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like synovial ruptures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M66.176 provides a clear designation for unspecified ruptures, which can help in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M66.176 provides a clear designation for unspecified ruptures, which can help in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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 causes of synovial rupture?

Common causes include trauma, repetitive stress injuries, and underlying inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

How is a synovial rupture diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound, and sometimes aspiration of joint fluid.

What treatment options are available for a ruptured synovium?

Treatment may range from conservative management, including rest and physical therapy, to surgical intervention for severe cases.