ICD 10 Coding Alert

Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “L trigger finger.” Is the trigger finger automatically the index finger? Or do I need to be more specific for a trigger finger diagnosis?

Louisiana Subscriber

Answer: You’ll need to be more specific in order to choose the proper trigger finger diagnosis. Go back and check the notes to see which finger the patient injured. Then, choose the most appropriate diagnosis from the following ICD-10 codes:

• M65.312 (Trigger thumb, left thumb)
• M65.322 (Trigger finger, left index finger)
• M65.332 (Trigger finger, left middle finger)
• M65.342 (Trigger finger, left ring finger)
• M65.352 (Trigger finger, left little finger)

If all else fails: In the event you cannot name the digit with trigger finger, report M65.30 (Trigger finger, unspecified finger) instead.