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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.812

M66.812

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, left shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.812 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of other tendons, left shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of tendons in the left shoulder is a condition characterized by the unexpected tearing of tendons without any significant trauma or injury. This condition often occurs in individuals with underlying synovial disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative tendon diseases, where the tendons may become weakened over time. The left shoulder is a common site for such ruptures, particularly involving the rotator cuff tendons, which are crucial for shoulder stability and movement. Symptoms typically include sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function in the affected shoulder. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound, which can visualize the extent of the tendon damage. Treatment may involve conservative management, including 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 overall health status. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the condition and its management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures
  • Identifying the specific tendon involved
  • Documenting underlying conditions that may contribute to tendon weakness
  • Understanding the implications of surgical versus conservative treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture
  • Failure to document associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Misidentification of the specific tendon involved
  • Inconsistent coding of surgical repairs

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 acute shoulder pain and limited range of motion, often after a history of chronic shoulder issues.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the surgical procedure aligns with the diagnosis and that all relevant details are documented to support the coding.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes are necessary.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-surgery or those receiving conservative management for tendon injuries.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the functional limitations and response to therapy is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.812 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M66
  • 812 should be used when there is clear documentation of a spontaneous rupture of a tendon in the left shoulder

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.812 When
  • It is important to exclude any traumatic causes and to document any underlying conditions that may contribute to the rupture

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23470CPT Code

Repair of ruptured tendon, shoulder

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair is performed for a spontaneous rupture of the shoulder tendon.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, findings, and post-operative care plan.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that the procedure aligns with the diagnosis and that all relevant details are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M66.812 provides a clear distinction for spontaneous ruptures, which aids in clinical decision-making and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M66.812 provides a clear distinction for spontaneous ruptures, which aids in clinical decision-making 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 causes of spontaneous tendon ruptures?

Common causes include underlying degenerative conditions, chronic inflammation, and age-related changes in tendon structure. Patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes are at higher risk.