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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesLateral Epicondylitis

Lateral Epicondylitis

ICD-10 Coding for Lateral Epicondylitis(M77.11, M77.12)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYOrthopedics
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Lateral Epicondylitis?
Essential facts and insights about Lateral Epicondylitis

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Lateral elbow pain, especially with gripping or lifting
  • Positive Cozen's test or Mill's test
  • Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history of elbow pain and functional limitations
  • Use of terms like 'lateral epicondylitis' or 'tennis elbow'
  • Examples: 'Patient presents with lateral elbow pain for 3 months, exacerbated by wrist extension.'

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use M77.12 for right elbow and M77.13 for left elbow; ensure correct side is documented.
  • Common errors include using unspecified codes or failing to document the duration of symptoms.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
  • Cervical radiculopathy or other neurological conditions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
M77.12
Lateral epicondylitis, right elbow
M77.13
Lateral epicondylitis, left elbow
Ancillary Codes
M25.521
M25.522
Differential Codes
M77.0-

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Orthopedics

Specialty Applications

  • Adults aged 30-60, athletes, manual laborers
  • Orthopedic clinics, physical therapy settings

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include patient history, physical exam findings, and treatment plan.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to avoid claim denials; consider modifiers for additional services.