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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.821

M66.821

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, right upper arm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.821 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of other tendons, right upper arm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of tendons in the right upper arm is a condition characterized by the sudden tearing of tendons without any significant trauma or injury. This condition often occurs in individuals with underlying tendon degeneration, which may be due to chronic overuse, inflammatory conditions, or age-related changes. The tendons in the upper arm, such as the biceps or triceps tendons, can be affected, leading to pain, swelling, and functional impairment. Patients may present with acute pain and a noticeable loss of strength or range of motion in the affected arm. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and sometimes, diagnostic injections. Treatment options may include conservative management with rest, ice, and physical therapy, or surgical intervention to repair the ruptured tendon, depending on the severity of the rupture and the patient's functional needs. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures
  • Identifying the specific tendon involved
  • Understanding the patient's history of tendon disorders
  • Documenting the clinical findings accurately

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture
  • Failure to specify the tendon involved
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis
  • Inconsistent clinical findings in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute shoulder pain and weakness, often after repetitive overhead activities.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly states the spontaneous nature of the rupture and any prior tendon issues.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of functional limitations and rehabilitation goals.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring rehabilitation post-surgery for tendon repair or those managing chronic pain from tendon degeneration.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's functional status and response to therapy to support ongoing treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.821 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the rupture is spontaneous and not due to trauma
  • Include any relevant history of tendon disorders and specify the tendon involved

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.821 When
No specific exclusions found.

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 tendon.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the surgical notes clearly indicate the nature of the rupture.

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. M66.821 provides a clear distinction for spontaneous ruptures, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

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. M66.821 provides a clear distinction for spontaneous ruptures, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 underlying degeneration, while traumatic rupture results from an acute injury or force applied to the tendon.