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S16.1XXA
ICD-10-CM
Trapezius Muscle Strain

Learn about trapezius muscle strain diagnosis, including ICD-10 code S46.1, clinical documentation requirements, and common symptoms like neck pain, shoulder pain, and muscle spasm. Find information on treatment options, physical therapy exercises, and best practices for healthcare professionals documenting this musculoskeletal condition in medical records. Understand the proper coding and billing guidelines for trapezius strain and related upper back pain diagnoses. Explore resources for accurate clinical evaluation and effective patient care for trapezius muscle injuries.

Also known as

Trapezius Strain
Upper Back Muscle Strain
upper back strain
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Overstretching or tearing of trapezius muscle fibers, often causing pain and stiffness.
  • Clinical Signs : Neck and shoulder pain, limited range of motion, muscle tenderness or spasms, headaches.
  • Common Settings : Weightlifting, poor posture, falls, whiplash, repetitive overhead movements.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S16.1XXA Coding
S46.1-

Sprain and strain of shoulder and upper arm

Covers injuries to muscles and ligaments around the shoulder, including the trapezius.

M79.1-

Myalgia

Includes pain in muscles, which could be a symptom of a trapezius strain.

R29.898-

Other abnormalities of gait and mobility

May be relevant if the trapezius strain affects movement or posture.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Traumatic injury?

  • Yes

    Right side?

  • No

    Overuse/non-traumatic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Trapezius muscle strain
Cervical radiculopathy
Rotator cuff tear

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Trapezius strain ICD-10 code (S46.1)
  • Laterality: Left, Right, or Bilateral
  • Onset date and mechanism of injury
  • Physical exam: Palpation, ROM, tenderness
  • Pain level/severity documentation (e.g., VAS)

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 S46.1xx, S39.012x CDI: Document initial injury, laterality, activity.
  • CPT 728.85: Compliance: Ensure medical necessity for imaging (X-ray, MRI).
  • Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) for acute pain management.
  • Physical therapy: Focus on strengthening, stretching, and postural correction.
  • Pain management: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants (Document justification per guidelines).

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify neck/shoulder pain onset after exertion or trauma
  • Palpate trapezius for tenderness/trigger points
  • Assess ROM limitations in neck/shoulder movement
  • Rule out cervical radiculopathy, rotator cuff tear

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Trapezius Muscle Strain: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10-CM Codes: S46.1XXA, S46.1XXD, S46.1XXS (initial, subsequent, sequela)
  • CPT Codes: 97140, 97110, 97010 (manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, hot/cold packs)
  • Medical Billing Keywords: Trapezius strain, muscle sprain, ICD-10 S46.1, CPT 97140
  • Coding Accuracy Impact: Precise coding impacts reimbursement and reduces denials.
  • Hospital Reporting Impact: Accurate diagnosis data affects quality metrics and resource allocation.
  • Reimbursement Impact: Proper coding maximizes payer reimbursements for provided services.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate data influences treatment efficacy analysis and patient outcomes.

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
  • ICD-10 S46.0xx for trapezius
  • Document pain location,laterality
  • Specify acute/chronic, cause if known
  • Consider M79.1 for myofascial pain
  • Neck/shoulder exam findings crucial

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of neck pain, upper back pain, and shoulder pain, consistent with a trapezius muscle strain.  Onset of symptoms occurred [Date of onset] after [Mechanism of injury - e.g., lifting heavy objects, sudden movement, prolonged poor posture].  Patient reports [Character of pain - e.g., sharp, dull, aching, throbbing] pain localized to the [Location of pain - e.g., right upper back, left neck, between shoulder blades] with pain radiating to [Area of radiation, if applicable - e.g., right shoulder, base of skull].  Pain is aggravated by [Aggravating factors - e.g., shoulder movement, neck rotation, overhead reaching] and relieved by [Relieving factors - e.g., rest, ice, heat].  Physical examination reveals [Physical exam findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation of the right trapezius muscle, limited range of motion in the right shoulder, muscle spasm, trigger points].  Neurological examination is [Neurological findings - e.g., intact, with no sensory or motor deficits].  Diagnosis of right trapezius muscle strain is made based on patient history, physical exam findings, and absence of other neurological or musculoskeletal pathology.  Differential diagnoses considered include cervical radiculopathy, rotator cuff tear, and thoracic outlet syndrome.  Treatment plan includes [Treatment plan - e.g., rest, ice, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, physical therapy, muscle relaxants].  Patient education provided on proper posture, lifting techniques, and stretching exercises.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Duration - e.g., one week] to assess response to treatment and adjust plan as needed.  ICD-10 code: [Appropriate ICD-10 code].
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