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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.522

M21.522

Billable

Acquired clubhand, left hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.522 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired clubhand, left hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired clubhand, also known as club hand or radial dysplasia, is a congenital or acquired deformity characterized by a shortened or absent radius bone in the forearm, leading to a hand that is positioned in a way that resembles a club. In the case of acquired clubhand, the condition may develop due to trauma, infection, or other pathological processes that affect the growth and development of the forearm bones. The left hand is specifically affected, which can lead to functional limitations in grasping and manipulating objects. Patients may present with varying degrees of deformity, including wrist flexion, ulnar deviation, and limited range of motion in the fingers. Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including orthopedic evaluation, physical therapy, and potentially surgical intervention to correct the deformity and improve hand function. Surgical options may include tendon transfers, osteotomies, or the use of prosthetics to enhance functionality. Accurate diagnosis and coding are essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of the condition
  • Need for detailed documentation of the acquired nature of the deformity
  • Potential for multiple surgical interventions and follow-up care
  • Differentiation from congenital clubhand and other hand deformities

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the acquired nature of the condition
  • Failure to document the specific functional limitations experienced by the patient
  • Lack of clarity regarding the treatment plan and interventions performed
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions or procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-ups.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical correction of clubhand deformities, management of associated soft tissue injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the acquired nature of the deformity and any associated conditions.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Therapy notes detailing functional assessments and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgical correction, management of range of motion and strength.

Billing Considerations

Document specific goals and outcomes related to hand function and activities of daily living.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.522 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M21
  • 522 should be used when the condition is specifically acquired and affects the left hand
  • Coders must ensure that the medical record clearly indicates the nature of the deformity and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.522 When
  • Exclusion criteria include congenital deformities and conditions not related to the acquired nature of the clubhand

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25447CPT Code

Osteotomy, radius

Clinical Scenario

Used in surgical correction of acquired clubhand.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must clearly outline the acquired nature of the deformity.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired clubhand, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired clubhand, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning 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 is the difference between congenital and acquired clubhand?

Congenital clubhand is present at birth due to developmental issues, while acquired clubhand develops later due to trauma, infection, or other factors affecting bone growth.