Find information on rotator cuff injury diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (S46.0, M75.1, etc.), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about rotator cuff tear symptoms, examination findings, differential diagnosis, and treatment options. This resource provides valuable information for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of rotator cuff injuries. Explore relevant medical terminology, diagnostic criteria, and best practices for accurate clinical documentation and coding.
Also known as
Rotator cuff syndromes
Includes tears, ruptures, and other disorders of the rotator cuff.
Injury of shoulder and upper arm
Covers various injuries to the shoulder and upper arm, including rotator cuff injuries.
Pain in shoulder
May be used to code pain associated with a rotator cuff injury.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the rotator cuff tear complete or full-thickness?
Yes
Which tendon is torn?
No
Is it a partial tear?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Rotator cuff tear or inflammation |
Shoulder impingement syndrome |
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) |
Coding rotator cuff injury without specifying affected side (right, left, bilateral) leads to claim denials and inaccurate data.
Incorrectly coding traumatic vs. overuse/degenerative rotator cuff tears impacts severity and reimbursement. Documentation must be clear.
Distinguishing partial from full-thickness tears is crucial for accurate coding. Vague documentation leads to coding errors and compliance issues.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with rotator cuff injury. Symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Onset of symptoms began approximately [duration] ago and is described as [character of pain: e.g., sharp, dull, aching] and located in the [location of pain: e.g., anterior, posterior, lateral] aspect of the shoulder. The pain is [exacerbating factors: e.g., aggravated by overhead activities, lifting, sleeping on affected side] and [relieving factors: e.g., relieved by rest, ice]. Patient reports [impact on activities of daily living: e.g., difficulty with dressing, reaching, driving]. Physical examination reveals [positive or negative findings: e.g., tenderness to palpation over the rotator cuff tendons, positive Neer impingement sign, positive Hawkins-Kennedy test, limited active and passive range of motion in abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation]. Differential diagnoses include rotator cuff tendinitis, rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement syndrome, adhesive capsulitis, and cervical radiculopathy. Preliminary diagnosis is rotator cuff injury. Plan includes [diagnostic tests: e.g., shoulder x-ray, MRI if indicated], [treatment: e.g., conservative management with rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), NSAIDs, physical therapy referral for range of motion exercises and strengthening, corticosteroid injection if indicated], and follow-up in [duration] to assess response to treatment. Patient education provided regarding rotator cuff injury care, activity modification, and expected recovery. ICD-10 code [appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., M75.11 - Rotator cuff tear or rupture, right shoulder] and CPT codes [appropriate CPT codes for evaluation and management, injections, or procedures performed] will be assigned based on final diagnosis and treatment plan. Prognosis is [prognosis: e.g., good with conservative treatment, guarded if surgery required].