ICD Code M65.342

ICD code M65.342 is used to identify the medical condition known as "trigger finger" specifically affecting the left ring finger. Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position and may snap straight suddenly, like a trigger being pulled and released. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system, which is used by healthcare providers to standardize the diagnosis of medical conditions for billing and record-keeping purposes. The specificity of this code helps ensure accurate documentation and facilitates effective communication among healthcare professionals, insurance companies, and other stakeholders involved in the healthcare revenue cycle.

When to use the ICD code for Trigger Finger, Left Ring Finger:

1. Presence of Symptoms:
- Patient reports pain or discomfort in the left ring finger.
- Patient experiences stiffness in the left ring finger, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Patient notes a sensation of locking or catching when moving the left ring finger.

2. Physical Examination Findings:
- Tenderness upon palpation of the flexor tendon sheath in the left ring finger.
- Swelling or thickening of the tendon sheath in the left ring finger.
- Limited range of motion in the left ring finger due to pain or mechanical blockage.

3. Duration of Symptoms:
- Symptoms have persisted for a significant period, typically more than a few weeks.
- Symptoms have not improved with conservative treatment measures.

4. Impact on Daily Activities:
- Patient reports difficulty performing daily tasks that require the use of the left ring finger, such as gripping or pinching.
- Patient experiences limitations in occupational or recreational activities due to the condition.

5. Exclusion of Other Conditions:
- Other potential causes of finger pain or dysfunction have been ruled out through clinical evaluation.
- No evidence of systemic conditions that could mimic or contribute to the symptoms (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes-related complications).

6. Response to Treatment:
- Patient has undergone conservative treatment options (e.g., splinting, corticosteroid injections) without satisfactory improvement.
- Consideration of surgical intervention if conservative measures fail and symptoms persist.

These criteria help determine the appropriate use of the ICD code for accurate documentation and billing in the healthcare revenue cycle management process.

For the ICD code M65.342, which pertains to a specific condition, the relevant CPT codes that may be used for treatment include:

1. 26055 - Tendon sheath incision (e.g., for trigger finger).

2. 26145 - Release of constriction of tendon sheath, with or without synovectomy, palm, or finger (e.g., for trigger finger).

3. 20550 - Injection(s); single tendon sheath, or ligament, aponeurosis (e.g., for trigger finger).

These CPT codes are commonly associated with procedures that address the condition indicated by ICD code M65.342. It's important for healthcare providers to select the appropriate CPT code based on the specific treatment administered.

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