ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.349

M66.349

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.349 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, unspecified hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons in the hand is a condition characterized by the unexpected tearing of the flexor tendons, which are responsible for bending the fingers. This condition can occur without any apparent trauma or injury, often linked to underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. The flexor tendons are encased in a synovial sheath, and when they rupture, it can lead to significant functional impairment of the hand. Symptoms typically include sudden pain, swelling, and an inability to flex the affected fingers. Diagnosis is usually made through clinical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, to confirm the rupture. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to repair the tendon, followed by rehabilitation to restore function. The prognosis depends on the extent of the injury and the timing of the surgical repair.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for precise documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Differentiation from other tendon injuries
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture
  • Failure to specify the affected hand
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging results, and post-operative notes are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of ruptured flexor tendons following spontaneous rupture.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the surgical approach and any complications are well-documented.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing rehabilitation protocols and patient responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following tendon repair surgery.

Billing Considerations

Document functional assessments and any modifications to therapy based on patient progress.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.349 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the rupture is spontaneous and not due to trauma
  • Document any associated conditions that may affect treatment and recovery

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.349 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

26301CPT Code

Repair of flexor tendon

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing surgical repair of a ruptured flexor tendon.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should 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 data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 primary cause of spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons?

The primary causes include underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and chronic tendonitis, which weaken the tendon structure over time.