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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM21.942

M21.942

Billable

Unspecified acquired deformity of hand, left hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M21.942 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified acquired deformity of hand, left hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M21.942 refers to an unspecified acquired deformity of the left hand, which can arise from various causes such as trauma, infection, or degenerative diseases. Acquired deformities may manifest as changes in the structure or function of the hand, including alterations in bone, joint, or soft tissue integrity. Common examples include malalignment of the fingers, loss of range of motion, and changes in grip strength. These deformities can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. The left hand may exhibit conditions such as trigger finger, Dupuytren's contracture, or post-traumatic deformities following fractures or dislocations. Treatment options often involve physical therapy, splinting, or surgical interventions aimed at restoring function and alleviating pain. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the patient's history and the specific nature of the deformity, as well as any underlying conditions contributing to the acquired deformity.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of acquired deformities
  • Need for detailed patient history to determine the cause
  • Potential overlap with congenital deformities
  • Documentation of functional limitations and treatment history

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the deformity's cause
  • Failure to specify laterality (left vs. right)
  • Lack of detail regarding functional impairment
  • Misclassification with congenital deformities

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the deformity, treatment plans, and outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-traumatic deformities, degenerative joint diseases, and surgical corrections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging and surgical notes are included to support the diagnosis.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of functional limitations and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgery for hand deformities or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document specific therapeutic interventions and patient responses.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M21.942 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M21
  • 942 should be used when the specific cause of the acquired deformity is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the deformity is not congenital or due to a neoplastic process

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M21.942 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

26145CPT Code

Excision of a benign tumor of the hand

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with an acquired deformity requires surgical intervention to remove a growth affecting hand function.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure and indications for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the deformity's impact on function is well-documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acquired deformities, improving the granularity of data for treatment outcomes and healthcare analytics. M21.942 provides a means to capture unspecified cases, which can help in understanding the prevalence and management of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acquired deformities, improving the granularity of data for treatment outcomes and healthcare analytics. M21.942 provides a means to capture unspecified cases, which can help in understanding the prevalence and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

impact on daily activities is essential for justifying the medical necessity of interventions.

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 documentation is needed to support the use of M21.942?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the deformity, the patient's medical history, any relevant imaging studies, and the impact of the deformity on the patient's daily activities.