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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

List 840.8 for Acute Biceps Rupture

Published on Wed Apr 28, 2010

Question: What is the correct diagnosis code for an acute, traumatic rupture of the distal tendon of the biceps at the elbow (not the long tendon of the biceps)?California SubscriberAnswer: For an acute rupture, choose 840.8 (Sprains and strains of shoulder and upper arm; other specified sites of shoulder and upper arm). The biceps is located above the elbow and ICD-9 coding guidelines state that the "upper arm" includes the elbow joint and humerus, which point to 840.8.You'll choose differently for a chronic or old rupture. In that case, select 727.62 (Rupture of tendon, nontraumatic; tendons of biceps [long head]).
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