ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM67.342

M67.342

Billable

Transient synovitis, left hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M67.342 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of transient synovitis, left hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Transient synovitis is a benign inflammatory condition affecting the synovial membrane of joints, particularly in children and adolescents. In the case of the left hand, this condition presents with localized swelling, pain, and limited range of motion. The etiology often remains idiopathic, but it can be associated with preceding trauma or infection. Clinically, patients may exhibit tenderness upon palpation of the affected joint, and symptoms can mimic those of more serious conditions such as septic arthritis. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI to assess joint effusion and synovial thickening. Treatment typically involves conservative management, including rest, ice application, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In rare cases where symptoms persist or worsen, surgical intervention may be warranted to drain excess fluid or to perform a synovectomy. Understanding transient synovitis is crucial for differentiating it from other synovial disorders, such as tenosynovitis or tendon ruptures, which may require different management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other joint disorders
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms
  • Potential for misdiagnosis with septic arthritis
  • Variability in treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging results
  • Misclassification of transient synovitis as a more severe condition
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children presenting with joint pain and swelling after minor trauma.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of differential diagnoses such as septic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of joint function, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Adults with joint pain and swelling, particularly after sports injuries.

Billing Considerations

Need to differentiate from tendon injuries and other orthopedic conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M67.342 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M67
  • 342 should be used when the condition is specifically diagnosed as transient synovitis of the left hand
  • It is important to document the duration of symptoms and any relevant imaging findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M67.342 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that are not transient or those that involve other joints

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

When joint effusion is present and requires drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and any findings from the aspiration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may perform this procedure more frequently.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of transient synovitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking the condition's prevalence and outcomes more effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of transient synovitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking the condition's prevalence and outcomes more effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking the condition's prevalence and outcomes more effectively.

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 symptoms of transient synovitis?

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the affected joint.

How is transient synovitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to assess for joint effusion and synovial thickening.

What is the typical treatment for transient synovitis?

Treatment usually involves rest, ice, NSAIDs for pain relief, and in some cases, aspiration of joint fluid.

Can transient synovitis lead to long-term issues?

Most cases resolve without long-term complications, but persistent symptoms may require further evaluation.