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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.819

M66.819

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, unspecified shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.819 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of other tendons, unspecified shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of tendons in the shoulder region can occur due to various factors, including degenerative changes, overuse, or trauma. This condition is characterized by the sudden tearing of tendons, which may lead to significant pain, loss of function, and instability in the shoulder joint. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific tendon involved is not identified, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Commonly affected tendons in the shoulder include the rotator cuff tendons, but this code encompasses other tendons as well. Patients may present with acute pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Diagnostic imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, may be utilized to confirm the rupture and assess the extent of the injury. Treatment options vary from conservative management, including physical therapy and pain management, to surgical interventions such as tendon repair or reconstruction, depending on the severity of the rupture and the patient's overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the tendon involved complicates coding.
  • Differentiating between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging findings.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on individual patient factors.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific tendon affected.
  • Failure to document the mechanism of injury.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions, such as tenosynovitis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pre-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute shoulder pain and limited range of motion following a fall or repetitive overhead activity.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the tendon involved and the surgical approach taken.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-surgery or those with chronic shoulder pain due to tendon degeneration.

Billing Considerations

Document functional limitations and response to therapy to support ongoing treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.819 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and any imaging results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.819 When
  • Exclude conditions that are not spontaneous ruptures

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23410CPT Code

Repair of ruptured tendon, shoulder

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure accurate coding based on 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 tendon injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M66.819 provides a means to capture spontaneous ruptures that may not have been adequately represented in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tendon injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M66.819 provides a means to capture spontaneous ruptures that may not have been adequately represented in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tendon injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M66.819 provides a means to capture spontaneous ruptures that may not have been adequately represented in ICD-9.

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 a specific injury event, often due to degenerative changes, while traumatic rupture is a direct result of an injury or accident.