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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.2

M66.2

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons refers to the unexpected tearing of the tendons that extend the fingers and wrist, often occurring without a significant traumatic event. This condition can arise due to underlying degenerative changes, chronic tenosynovitis, or systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Patients may present with sudden loss of function in the affected fingers, pain, swelling, and an inability to extend the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, which can reveal the extent of the rupture and any associated synovial disorders. Treatment often involves surgical repair of the ruptured tendon, followed by rehabilitation to restore function. Understanding the etiology and management of spontaneous tendon ruptures is crucial for effective coding and billing, as these conditions can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and functional abilities.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures
  • Identifying associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Understanding the surgical repair procedures involved
  • Documenting the clinical presentation accurately

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture
  • Failure to document associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Lack of clarity on the surgical procedure performed
  • Misclassification of the rupture type (spontaneous vs. traumatic)

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with sudden loss of finger extension, often after a period of chronic pain or swelling.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the surgical procedure is clearly linked to the diagnosis of spontaneous rupture.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of joint symptoms, laboratory results indicating underlying conditions, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis experiencing tendon ruptures due to chronic inflammation.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the relationship between systemic disease and tendon integrity is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.2 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.2 When
  • Exclude codes for traumatic ruptures unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

26301CPT Code

Repair of ruptured tendon

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair of the extensor tendon is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure the procedure is linked to the correct diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of claims and enhancing the understanding of the condition's prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of claims and enhancing the understanding of the condition's prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of claims and enhancing the understanding of the condition's prevalence and treatment outcomes.

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 causes of spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons?

Common causes include chronic tenosynovitis, degenerative changes due to aging, and systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that weaken tendon integrity.