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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.319

M66.319

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, unspecified shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.319 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, unspecified shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons in the shoulder is a condition characterized by the unexpected tearing of the flexor tendons, which are responsible for the movement of the shoulder joint. This condition can occur without any apparent trauma or injury, often linked to underlying degenerative changes or inflammatory processes. Patients may present with acute pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. The rupture can lead to significant functional impairment, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound, and sometimes arthroscopy to confirm the extent of the injury. Treatment options may include conservative management with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical intervention to repair the torn tendon, depending on the severity of the rupture and the patient's overall health status. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of tendon rupture
  • Need for precise documentation of spontaneous versus traumatic rupture
  • Differentiation from other shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff tears
  • Potential for co-existing conditions that may complicate coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture
  • Failure to specify the shoulder involved when applicable
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions or procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging results, and pre-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute shoulder pain and limited mobility, often after a sudden onset of symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly differentiate between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures to ensure accurate coding.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-surgery or those with chronic pain due to tendon rupture.

Billing Considerations

Focus on functional outcomes and the impact of the rupture on daily activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.319 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and treatment plans in the patient's record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.319 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23470CPT Code

Repair of ruptured tendon, shoulder

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair is performed for spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specific tendon repaired and any complications.

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 patient records and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking outcomes and resource utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking outcomes and resource utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking outcomes and resource utilization.

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 any external trauma, often due to degenerative changes, while traumatic rupture results from an injury or accident.