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M65.849
ICD-10-CM
Wrist Tendonitis

Find information on wrist tendonitis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), treatment, and symptoms. Learn about tenosynovitis, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, intersection syndrome, and other related wrist conditions. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on proper documentation and coding for wrist tendonitis for accurate reimbursement. This comprehensive guide covers wrist pain, inflammation, swelling, and relevant medical terminology for precise diagnosis and effective patient care.

Also known as

Wrist Tendinitis
Wrist Tenosynovitis
De Quervain's Syndrome

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Inflammation of wrist tendons, causing pain and reduced movement.
  • Clinical Signs : Wrist pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, weakness, difficulty gripping.
  • Common Settings : Repetitive strain injuries, sports, typing, factory work, hobbies like knitting.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M65.849 Coding
M65-M68

Disorders of synovium and tendon

Covers various tendon inflammations, including wrist tendonitis.

M70-M79

Other soft tissue disorders

Includes other specified soft tissue disorders that may relate to wrist pain.

M25-M25

Joint derangement

May be relevant if tendonitis impacts joint function or stability.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lateral or medial wrist pain documentation
  • Onset and duration of tendonitis symptoms
  • Physical exam findings (e.g., swelling, tenderness)
  • Activities associated with wrist pain/symptoms
  • Diagnostic tests performed/results (if applicable)

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Proper coding: ICD-10 M65, laterality, detail
  • Document symptom onset, duration, location
  • Specific physical exam findings: Phalen, Tinel tests
  • Assess impact on ADLs for accurate coding
  • Conservative Rx 1st: Splints, NSAIDs, activity mod

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Pain location: wrist, forearm
  • Palpation tenderness: specific tendon
  • Worsening pain with resisted motion
  • Rule out fractures, arthritis, nerve issues
  • Document Finkelstein's test if De Quervain's suspected

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Wrist Tendonitis: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for CPT 20550, 20551 (injection), 77012 (US guidance).
  • ICD-10 M65.4 affects quality metrics for pain management, upper extremity function.
  • Accurate laterality coding (left/right) maximizes reimbursement, avoids denials.
  • Tendonitis documentation specificity impacts severity coding and appropriate resource utilization reporting.

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 lateral/medial epicondylitis specifically
  • Document symptom onset, duration, location
  • Specify affected wrist (right/left)
  • Confirm laterality in documentation matches coded side
  • Consider activity causing tendonitis

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with wrist tendonitis, also known as de Quervain's tenosynovitis or tenosynovitis of the wrist.  Onset of pain and swelling in the wrist, specifically the radial side, was reported as [onset timeframe - e.g., gradual over several weeks, acute after specific activity].  Patient reports [character of pain - e.g., aching, sharp, burning] pain exacerbated by [movements or activities - e.g., gripping, lifting, twisting].  Pain level reported as [pain scale rating - e.g., 4/10 on visual analog scale].  Physical examination reveals [objective findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation over the first dorsal compartment, positive Finkelstein's test, limited range of motion].  Differential diagnoses considered include carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and ganglion cyst.  Assessment:  Wrist tendonitis, right/left wrist.  Plan:  Conservative management initiated, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).  Patient education provided on activity modification and ergonomic adjustments.  NSAIDs prescribed for pain and inflammation management.  Referral to occupational therapy for splinting and hand exercises will be considered if symptoms persist.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [timeframe - e.g., two weeks] to assess response to treatment.  ICD-10 code: M65.4.
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