READER QUESTION:
Injury Determines Torn Tendon Diagnosis
Published on Sun Jun 01, 2003
Question: Which diagnosis code applies to "torn peroneus longus and brevis tendon, right foot"? Ohio Subscriber Answer: The correct code depends on whether the tendon damage is due to an injury or other condition. Use 845.19 (Sprains and strains of ankle and foot; foot; other) if it's caused by a traumatic injury (such as tripping or injuring it while playing sports). This is not a current injury in many cases, so report the appropriate "late effects" code as well if it applies (such as 906.4, Late effect of crushing; or 905.8, Late effect of tendon injury). Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Cushing syndrome can occasionally lead to torn tendons, although this is rare. Use 727.68 (Other disorders of synovium, tendon, and bursa; rupture of tendon, nontraumatic; other tendons of foot and ankle) if some type of nontraumatic condition caused the tear.
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