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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM84.34

M84.34

Billable

Stress fracture, hand and fingers

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M84.34 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stress fracture, hand and fingers.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A stress fracture in the hand and fingers is a small crack in a bone that occurs due to repetitive force or overuse, rather than a single traumatic event. This condition is particularly common in athletes and individuals who engage in repetitive hand movements. Stress fractures can arise from various factors, including low bone density, osteoporosis, and inadequate nutrition, which can impair bone metabolism and strength. The hand and fingers are particularly susceptible to stress fractures due to their complex structure and the high level of activity they endure. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, which may worsen with activity and improve with rest. Diagnosis often involves a thorough clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and consideration of the patient's history of bone density disorders. Treatment generally focuses on rest, immobilization, and addressing any underlying bone health issues to prevent recurrence. Understanding the relationship between stress fractures and bone density disorders is crucial for effective management and prevention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between stress fractures and other types of fractures
  • Understanding the impact of osteoporosis on fracture risk
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and history
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on patient age and activity level

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document bone density assessments
  • Misclassification of stress fractures as traumatic fractures
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment efficacy

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the mechanism of injury, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Athletes presenting with hand pain after increased training intensity.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the patient's overall bone health and any pre-existing conditions.

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of bone density and metabolic factors contributing to fracture risk.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with osteoporosis presenting with stress fractures.

Billing Considerations

Focus on managing underlying metabolic bone disorders.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M84.34 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M84
  • 34 should be used when a stress fracture is confirmed in the hand or fingers
  • It is essential to document the cause of the fracture and any relevant history of bone density disorders

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M84.34 When
  • Exclusion criteria include fractures resulting from trauma or pathological fractures due to malignancy

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

73630CPT Code

X-ray of the hand

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm the diagnosis of a stress fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the X-ray and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these injuries in relation to underlying bone health conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these injuries in relation to underlying bone health conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these injuries in relation to underlying bone health conditions.

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 stress fractures in the hand?

Stress fractures in the hand are primarily caused by repetitive stress and overuse, often exacerbated by low bone density or osteoporosis.