ICD Code M79.642

ICD code M79.642 is used to specify a diagnosis of pain in the left hand. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), which is utilized by healthcare providers to document and categorize patient diagnoses for billing and statistical purposes. The code M79.642 helps in identifying the specific location of the pain, which is crucial for treatment planning and insurance claims processing.

1. Localized Pain: The patient reports experiencing pain specifically in the left hand, without any associated pain in other areas of the body.

2. Duration of Symptoms: The pain has persisted for a significant period, typically more than a few days, and is not resolving with initial conservative treatments.

3. Impact on Functionality: The pain in the left hand is affecting the patient's ability to perform daily activities, such as gripping, lifting, or typing.

4. Exclusion of Other Conditions: Other potential causes of hand pain, such as fractures, infections, or systemic conditions, have been ruled out through clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing.

5. Physical Examination Findings: Upon examination, there is tenderness or discomfort localized to the left hand, which may be exacerbated by movement or pressure.

6. Patient History: The patient has a history of activities or conditions that could contribute to hand pain, such as repetitive motion, previous injuries, or arthritis.

7. Absence of Neurological Symptoms: There are no accompanying neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness that would suggest a nerve-related issue.

8. Response to Initial Treatment: The pain has not adequately responded to initial treatments such as rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), or over-the-counter pain medications.

9. Imaging and Diagnostic Tests: If conducted, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs do not show any structural abnormalities that would account for the pain, supporting a diagnosis of non-specific hand pain.

10. Patient's Reported Pain Level: The patient describes the pain as significant enough to warrant medical attention, often rated as moderate to severe on a pain scale.

For the ICD code M79.642, which pertains to pain in the left hand, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

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

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

3. 20550 - Injection(s); single tendon sheath, or ligament, aponeurosis (e.g., plantar "fascia").

4. 20551 - Injection(s); single tendon origin/insertion.

5. 97014 - Application of a modality to one or more areas; electrical stimulation (unattended).

6. 97110 - Therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion, and flexibility (each 15 minutes).

7. 97140 - Manual therapy techniques (e.g., mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction), one or more regions, each 15 minutes.

These CPT codes are examples of procedures that might be used to address the symptoms associated with the ICD code M79.642. It's important for healthcare providers to select the most appropriate CPT code based on the specific treatment provided to the patient.

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