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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Don't Sweat the Sports Lingo ICD-9 Coding

Published on Sun May 15, 2005

Question: Is there a difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow?


West Virginia Subscriber
Answer: Yes. If the orthopedic surgeon documents a tennis elbow diagnosis, you should report 726.32 (Enthesopathy of elbow region; lateral epicondylitis). If the physician documents golfer's elbow, you should report either 726.31 (Enthesopathy of elbow region; medial epicondylitis) or 726.32, depending on the elbow region affected (medial or lateral). Ask the surgeon for details if you're unsure.
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