ICD Code M65.139

ICD code M65139 is used to classify a condition known as "Other infective (teno)synovitis, unspecified wrist." This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system, which is used by healthcare providers to document and categorize diagnoses. Specifically, this code refers to an infection that affects the synovial sheath, a layer of tissue that surrounds tendons in the wrist. The term "tenosynovitis" indicates inflammation of this sheath, and the "infective" aspect suggests that the inflammation is due to an infection. The designation "unspecified wrist" means that the code does not specify whether the condition affects the left or right wrist. This code helps healthcare providers accurately record and communicate the diagnosis for treatment and billing purposes.

When to use the ICD code M65139 for Other infective (teno)synovitis, unspecified wrist:

1. Presence of Symptoms:
- Swelling around the wrist joint
- Pain or tenderness in the wrist area
- Limited range of motion in the wrist
- Warmth or redness over the affected area

2. Diagnostic Imaging Findings:
- Evidence of fluid accumulation in the wrist joint or surrounding structures on ultrasound or MRI
- Signs of inflammation in the wrist joint on imaging studies

3. Clinical Examination:
- Positive findings during physical examination indicating inflammation or infection
- Palpable tenderness over the tendon sheath or synovial structures

4. Laboratory Results:
- Elevated white blood cell count indicating possible infection
- Positive cultures from synovial fluid or other relevant specimens
- Elevated inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP, ESR)

5. Exclusion of Other Conditions:
- Ruling out other causes of wrist pain or swelling, such as trauma, degenerative conditions, or non-infective inflammatory diseases
- Confirmation that the condition is specifically infective in nature

6. Duration of Symptoms:
- Symptoms persisting for a duration that suggests an infectious process rather than acute trauma or transient inflammation

7. Response to Initial Treatment:
- Lack of improvement with conservative management, suggesting a need for further investigation or intervention

By adhering to these diagnostic criteria and symptoms, healthcare providers can accurately determine when to apply the ICD code M65139 in their documentation and billing processes.

For the ICD code M65.139, which pertains to other infective (teno)synovitis of an unspecified wrist, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. CPT 20600 - Arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection into a small joint or bursa (e.g., fingers, toes); without ultrasound guidance.

2. CPT 20605 - Arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection into an intermediate joint or bursa (e.g., wrist, elbow, ankle, olecranon bursa); without ultrasound guidance.

3. CPT 20606 - Arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection into an intermediate joint or bursa (e.g., wrist, elbow, ankle, olecranon bursa); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting.

4. CPT 26055 - Incision with drainage of finger abscess, bursa, or tendon sheath.

5. CPT 26160 - Excision of lesion of tendon sheath or joint capsule (e.g., cyst, mucous cyst, or ganglion), hand or finger.

6. CPT 26115 - Radical excision of bursa, synovia of wrist, or forearm tendon sheath.

These CPT codes are typically used for procedures that may be performed to address conditions associated with the ICD code M65.139. It is important for healthcare providers to select the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed and the clinical scenario.

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