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M77.11
ICD-10-CM
Right Tennis Elbow

Find information on Right Tennis Elbow diagnosis including ICD-10 code M77.11, Lateral Epicondylitis, and clinical documentation requirements. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and medical coding best practices for accurate healthcare billing and reimbursement. Explore resources for proper diagnosis coding and documentation for Right Tennis Elbow. This information pertains to healthcare professionals, medical coders, and billers seeking accurate and comprehensive information on Right Tennis Elbow.

Also known as

Lateral Epicondylitis
Tennis Elbow

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Painful inflammation of tendons on the outer elbow, often caused by repetitive wrist/arm motions.
  • Clinical Signs : Outer elbow pain worsening with gripping or lifting, tenderness to touch, weakened grip strength.
  • Common Settings : Sports (tennis, racquetball), occupational (painting, plumbing), DIY activities.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M77.11 Coding
M77.1

Lateral epicondylitis

Inflammation of tendons on outer elbow.

M77.0

Medial epicondylitis

Inflammation of tendons on inner elbow (Golfer's elbow).

M77.8

Other enthesopathies

Other disorders where tendons/ligaments attach to bone.

M77.9

Enthesopathy, unspecified

Inflammation where tendon/ligament attaches to bone, unspecified.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the right elbow pain due to lateral epicondylitis?

  • Yes

    Is there a history of overuse/strain?

  • No

    Is the right elbow pain due to another specific condition?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Right Tennis Elbow
Lateral Epicondylitis
Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lateral epicondylitis diagnosis documented
  • Pain/tenderness at lateral epicondyle
  • Provocative testing results (e.g., Cozen's)
  • Exclusion of other elbow pathologies
  • ICD-10 code M77.11 documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding right tennis elbow without specifying laterality can lead to claim denials. Use M77.11 for right elbow.

  • Lateral Epicondylitis Miscoding

    Incorrectly coding other elbow conditions as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) leads to inaccurate data reporting.

  • Lacking Supporting Documentation

    Insufficient documentation to support the diagnosis of right tennis elbow can cause audit issues and claim rejections.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Proper ICD-10 coding (lateral epicondylitis M77.11)
  • Detailed documentation of pain, ROM, & functional limitations
  • Conservative treatment first: RICE, NSAIDs, PT/OT (CPT codes)
  • Monitor progress, adjust treatment, document non-response for surgery
  • Ensure compliance with payer guidelines for injections/procedures

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Lateral elbow pain: Documented location and onset?
  • 2. Pain with resisted wrist extension: Exam finding noted?
  • 3. Palpation tenderness: Lateral epicondyle specified?
  • 4. Ruling out other diagnoses: Differential documented?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Right Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10-CM M77.11, CPT 20550 (injection), CPT 97140 (manual therapy): Coding accuracy crucial for proper reimbursement.
  • Claim denials reduced by accurate laterality coding (right vs. left) and documentation of medical necessity.
  • Patient outcomes tracking with pain scales and functional assessments impacts quality reporting and value-based care.
  • Accurate coding and documentation improves data integrity for hospital reporting, impacting resource allocation.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Lateral epicondylitis code M77.11
  • Exclude cervical radiculopathy
  • Document pain location, severity
  • Confirm with physical exam findings
  • Consider imaging if atypical

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of lateral elbow pain consistent with right tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis.  Onset of pain is reported as gradual, worsening over the past [number] weeksmonths, and exacerbated by activities involving gripping, wrist extension, and forearm supination.  Patient denies any specific trauma or injury to the area.  Pain is described as aching and burning, localized to the lateral epicondyle and radiating along the extensor muscles of the forearm.  Pain severity is reported as [number]10 on a pain scale.  Physical examination reveals point tenderness over the lateral epicondyle, pain with resisted wrist extension and forearm supination, and negative Cozen's test.  No palpable warmth, erythema, or swelling noted.  Range of motion of the elbow and wrist is within normal limits, though painful with certain movements.  Differential diagnosis includes radial tunnel syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, and osteoarthritis.  Assessment is right lateral epicondylitis, ICD-10 code M77.11.  Plan includes conservative management with rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), NSAIDs for pain management, and referral to physical therapy for strengthening and stretching exercises.  Patient education provided regarding activity modification and proper body mechanics.  Follow-up scheduled in [number] weeks to assess response to treatment and consider corticosteroid injection if symptoms persist.
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