Facebook tracking pixel
M67.439
ICD-10-CM
Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist

Find information on Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, SNOMED CT codes, healthcare, differential diagnosis, treatment, and management. Learn about symptoms, causes, and diagnostic criteria for Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist. This resource provides essential information for physicians, healthcare providers, and medical coders seeking accurate and up-to-date details on this condition.

Also known as

Wrist Ganglion
Synovial Cyst of the Wrist

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Noncancerous fluid-filled lump, usually on top of wrist or hand joints.
  • Clinical Signs : Visible lump, round or oval, may fluctuate in size, can be painful or asymptomatic.
  • Common Settings : Orthopaedics, Hand Surgery, General Practice

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M67.439 Coding
M71.3

Ganglion cyst of wrist and hand

Noncancerous fluid-filled cyst on wrist/hand tendons/joints.

M71.2

Ganglion cyst of other locations

Cysts arising in locations other than wrist/hand.

M67.40

Synovial cyst of unspecified wrist

Fluid-filled cyst originating from the synovium in the wrist.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the ganglion cyst located on the wrist?

  • Yes

    Is it specified as dorsal or volar?

  • No

    Do NOT code as wrist ganglion. Review documentation for correct location and code accordingly.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Ganglion cyst of wrist
Wrist lipoma
Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Ganglion cyst wrist location (volar/dorsal)
  • Cyst size (cm), transillumination
  • Palpation: tenderness, mobility, fluctuation
  • Symptoms: pain, paresthesia, restricted ROM
  • Differential diagnosis considered/ruled out

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding

    Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, unspecified) can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting for Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist.

  • Unspecified Location

    Coding Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist without specifying the exact location on the wrist (e.g., dorsum, volar) can impact reimbursement and data analysis.

  • Excision Code Mismatch

    Incorrectly coding the excision procedure for Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist based on size or approach can result in overpayment or underpayment.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document precise cyst location, size, & symptoms for accurate ICD-10 coding (M71.34).
  • Use consistent terminology (e.g., 'wrist ganglion cyst') in clinical notes for CDI.
  • Ensure proper documentation linking cyst to activity limitations for compliance.
  • Correlate imaging results (ultrasound/MRI) with physical exam findings in documentation.
  • Regularly review and update internal coding guidelines for ganglion cysts to maintain compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Palpable, smooth, round wrist mass? (ICD-10: M71.331)
  • 2. Transillumination positive? Document size, location. (SNOMED CT: 400172002)
  • 3. No signs of infection (redness, warmth)? Patient safety: infection risk assessment.
  • 4. Confirm limited ROM, if present. Document impact on function. (CPT: 20600)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Ganglion Cyst Wrist Reimbursement: CPT 25111, ICD-10 M71.34 impacts accurate coding for optimal payment.
  • Coding accuracy: Correct ICD-10 and CPT coding maximizes reimbursement, reduces denials for wrist ganglion cyst.
  • Hospital reporting: Accurate ganglion cyst diagnosis data impacts quality metrics, resource allocation, treatment outcomes.
  • Quality metrics impact: Tracking ganglion cyst excision complications, recurrence rates improves surgical quality.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code M71.3 for wrist ganglion cyst
  • Document cyst location precisely
  • Specify size and symptoms
  • Exclude infections M71.0
  • MRI/US confirmation helps coding

Documentation Templates

Subjective:  Patient presents with a ganglion cyst of the wrist.  Chief complaint is a palpable lump or mass on the wrist, possibly dorsal or volar wrist ganglion.  Onset may be insidious or sudden.  Patient may report symptoms including wrist pain, swelling, limited range of motion, or weakness, though some ganglion cysts are asymptomatic.  Pain may be exacerbated by wrist movement or activity.  Patient denies any history of trauma or infection to the area.  Medical history includes (list relevant medical history).  Surgical history includes (list relevant surgical history).  Medications include (list current medications).  Allergies include (list allergies).

Objective: Physical examination reveals a well-circumscribed, smooth, non-tender, fluctuant mass consistent with a ganglion cyst located on the (dorsalvolar) aspect of the wrist at the (specify location, e.g., scapholunate joint).  Transillumination is (positive or negative).  Range of motion of the wrist is (describe ROM, e.g., full, limited with flexion, etc.).  Neurovascular examination of the hand is intact, with normal sensation and capillary refill.  No signs of infection or inflammation are observed.

Assessment:  Diagnosis of ganglion cyst of the wrist is made based on patient history, physical examination findings, and clinical presentation.  Differential diagnoses considered include lipoma, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, and other soft tissue masses.

Plan:  Discussed treatment options with the patient, including observation, aspiration, corticosteroid injection, and surgical excision.  Risks and benefits of each option were explained.  Patient elected (state chosen treatment plan, e.g., conservative management with observation and activity modification).  Patient education provided regarding ganglion cyst natural history, potential complications, and follow-up care.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in ( timeframe, e.g., 4 weeks) to reassess symptoms and discuss further management if necessary.  ICD-10 code M71.3 for ganglion cyst of wrist assigned.
Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation