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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.529

M21.529

Billable

Acquired clubhand, unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.529 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired clubhand, unspecified hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired clubhand, also known as club hand or radial club hand, is a congenital or acquired deformity characterized by a deviation of the wrist and hand towards the ulnar side, resulting in a shortened forearm and a limited range of motion. This condition can arise from various factors, including trauma, neurological disorders, or vascular insufficiencies. The deformity may lead to functional limitations, affecting the ability to perform daily activities and impacting the overall quality of life. Patients may present with associated abnormalities such as finger or toe deformities, including syndactyly or polydactyly, and conditions like hallux valgus. Treatment options often involve corrective procedures, such as surgical interventions to realign the bones, tendon transfers, or the use of orthotic devices to improve function and appearance. Accurate diagnosis and coding are essential for appropriate management and reimbursement, as the complexity of the condition can vary significantly among patients.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of the condition
  • Potential for associated congenital or acquired deformities
  • Need for detailed documentation of functional limitations
  • Variations in treatment approaches and surgical interventions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the acquired nature of the deformity
  • Failure to document associated conditions or complications
  • Lack of clarity regarding the functional impact on the patient
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures or treatments

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical notes, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-ups are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical correction of clubhand deformities, management of associated finger abnormalities.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the rationale for surgical intervention and any associated conditions.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessments of functional limitations and rehabilitation plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgical correction, management of functional impairments.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the impact of the deformity on daily activities and the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.529 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M21
  • 529 should be used when the specific hand affected is not documented
  • It is important to ensure that the acquired nature of the condition is clearly stated in the medical record to avoid misclassification

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.529 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25447CPT Code

Surgical correction of clubhand deformity

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing surgical intervention for acquired clubhand.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes must detail the procedure performed and the rationale for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document pre-operative assessments and post-operative outcomes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

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

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

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 congenital and acquired clubhand?

Congenital clubhand is present at birth and is often due to genetic factors, while acquired clubhand develops later in life due to trauma, disease, or other factors.