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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.232

M66.232

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons, left forearm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.232 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons, left forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of extensor tendons in the left forearm is a condition characterized by the unexpected tearing of the extensor tendons, which are responsible for extending the fingers and wrist. This condition can occur without any significant trauma or injury, often associated with underlying conditions such as tenosynovitis or degenerative tendon changes. Patients may present with sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function in the affected area. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through clinical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, which can visualize the extent of the tendon rupture. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to repair the ruptured tendon, followed by rehabilitation to restore function. The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the rupture and the timeliness of treatment. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of outcomes in patients with this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures
  • Understanding the specific anatomy of the extensor tendons
  • Identifying associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Documenting the clinical presentation and imaging findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture
  • Failure to document associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis
  • Improper linkage of surgical procedures to the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging studies, and pre-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute pain and dysfunction in the forearm, often after repetitive use or underlying inflammatory conditions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the surgical repair details are accurately captured and linked to the diagnosis.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations of functional limitations and rehabilitation plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients recovering from tendon repair surgery requiring rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion.

Billing Considerations

Document progress notes that reflect the patient's recovery trajectory and any complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.232 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M66
  • 232 should be used when the rupture is spontaneous and specifically located in the left forearm
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.232 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

26301CPT Code

Repair of extensor tendon

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing surgical repair of the ruptured extensor tendon.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, findings, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that the repair technique and any grafts used are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tendon injuries, improving the granularity of data for research and treatment outcomes. M66.232 provides a clear distinction between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures, which is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tendon injuries, improving the granularity of data for research and treatment outcomes. M66.232 provides a clear distinction between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures, which is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

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 spontaneous and traumatic tendon rupture?

Spontaneous tendon rupture occurs without a significant external force, often due to underlying conditions, while traumatic rupture is a direct result of an injury or accident.