Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Anatomy Matters on Compartment Syndrome Dx

Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffered from nontraumatic compartment syndrome. How should I choose an ICD-10 code for this condition, and what is compartment syndrome?

Minnesota Subscriber

Answer: It depends on whether the locality of the condition. Go back and check the notes for the anatomical location of the compartment syndrome. Then, choose one of the following ICD-10 codes:

  • M79.A11 (Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of right upper extremity)
  • M79.A12 (Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of left upper extremity)
  • M79.A19 (Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of unspecified upper extremity)
  • M79.A21 (Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of right lower extremity)
  • M79.A22 (Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of left lower extremity)
  • M79.A29 (Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of unspecified lower extremity)
  • M79.A3 (Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of abdomen)
  • M73.A9 (Nontraumatic compartment syndrome of other sites)

More on condition: “Nontraumatic compartment syndrome refers to a painful condition characterized by increased pressure due to swelling within a compartment that is caused by nontraumatic factors such as hemorrhage, leading to a reduction in circulation,” according to Codify.


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