Elbow Pain ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide to learn about Elbow Pain ICD codes you can use. Discover clinical and billing information in this guide.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What Elbow Pain ICD codes can I use?
These are the three Elbow Pain ICD codes you can use:
- M25.529 - Pain in unspecified elbow
This is the most basic choice for Elbow Pain-related cases. This can be used only when the specific elbow in pain hasn’t been specified or identified. Once the specific elbow has been identified, it’s best to use either Item 2 or 3 for specificity.
- M25.521 - Pain in right elbow
This is similar to Item 1, only this time, the specific elbow in pain is the right elbow.
- M25.522 - Pain in left elbow
This is similar to Item 1, only this time, the specific elbow in pain is the left elbow.
Are these Elbow Pain ICD codes billable?
Yes. All three of the aforementioned Elbow Pain-related ICD-10 codes are valid and billable.
Clinical information about Elbow Pain:
- Elbow pain can stem from various conditions, often related to overuse or injury. These could include tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, bursitis, sprains, or fractures.
- Typical symptoms can include aching, dull, or sharp pain, often exacerbated by movement or pressure on the area. There could also be a sensation of weakness, tingling, or numbness.
- Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination and a review of medical history. However, additional tests like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be required in some cases.
- Treatment can vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain. It might include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or in severe cases, surgery.
- It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if the pain persists or if the elbow joint is visibly deformed or swollen. This can help to avoid any long-term damage or complications.
Synonyms include:
- Elbow joint - painful on movement
- Elbow joint pain
- Pain in elbow
- Tenderness of elbow joint
- Tenderness of upper limb
- Bilateral elbow joint pain
- Pain of left elbow joint
- Pain of right elbow joint
Commonly asked questions
There are currently no ICD-10 codes that specifically mention bilateral elbow pain or pain on both elbows. It’s best to use both M25.521 and M25.522 simultaneously for patients with pain in both their elbows.
Conditions that can cause elbow pain include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, pinched nerves in the elbows, and Radiohumeral Bursitis, to name a few.
Exercising is one of the simplest ways to manage elbow pain. If you’re a physical therapist, it’s best to come up with arm exercises that are light enough for your patient to do to lessen the pain and not aggravate it. Having them wear elbow padding also helps. For athletes, it’s also important to identify any improper sports techniques contributing to their elbow pain and adjust these techniques accordingly or scrapping them.
