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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.81

M66.81

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of other tendons, shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of tendons in the shoulder region is a condition characterized by the unexpected tearing of tendons without any significant trauma or injury. This condition often affects the rotator cuff tendons, which are crucial for shoulder stability and movement. The rupture can lead to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion, significantly impacting daily activities. Commonly associated with conditions such as tenosynovitis, which is inflammation of the tendon sheath, spontaneous ruptures may occur due to chronic degeneration of the tendon tissue, often exacerbated by repetitive overhead activities or age-related wear and tear. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound, and assessment of the patient's history. Treatment options may include conservative management with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical intervention to repair the ruptured tendon, depending on the severity of the rupture and the patient's functional needs.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures
  • Understanding associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Variability in clinical presentation and imaging findings
  • Need for precise documentation of the mechanism of injury

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture
  • Failure to document associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Misclassification of the rupture type (spontaneous vs. traumatic)
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging results, and pre-operative assessments are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with shoulder pain and limited range of motion, often after repetitive overhead activities.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and any prior treatments.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations including functional assessments and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-surgery or conservative management for tendon ruptures.

Billing Considerations

Documenting progress and response to therapy is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.81 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M66
  • 81 should be used when the rupture is spontaneous and not due to an external force
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the absence of trauma and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.81 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23410CPT Code

Repair of ruptured rotator cuff

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair is performed for a spontaneous rupture of the rotator cuff.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specific tendon repaired.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

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 difference between spontaneous and traumatic tendon rupture?

Spontaneous tendon rupture occurs without significant trauma, often due to degeneration, while traumatic rupture results from an acute injury or force.