The M70.61 Diagnosis Code, as defined by the 2025 ICD-10-CM, is a crucial classification for trochanteric bursitis specifically located in the right hip. This code is not just a label; it’s a billable and specific code that plays a vital role in medical billing, record-keeping, and ensuring accurate diagnosis for patients experiencing right hip pain related to bursitis.
What is M70.61?
M70.61 falls under the broader category of M70.6, which denotes trochanteric bursitis without specifying laterality, and M70, detailing soft tissue disorders related to use, overuse, and pressure. The specificity of M70.61 is in pinpointing the condition – trochanteric bursitis – to the right hip. This level of detail is essential for precise medical documentation and treatment planning.
Trochanteric bursitis itself is an inflammatory condition affecting the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the trochanter (the bony prominence of the femur at the hip). When this bursa becomes inflamed, it leads to pain in the hip, often exacerbated by movement or pressure.
Key Aspects of the M70.61 Code
- Billable and Specific Code: M70.61 is recognized for reimbursement purposes, meaning healthcare providers can use this code when submitting claims for services related to the diagnosis and treatment of right trochanteric bursitis. Its ‘specific’ designation means it accurately represents a distinct clinical condition, unlike more general or unspecified codes.
- Effective Date: The current version, 2025 ICD-10-CM M70.61, became effective on October 1, 2024. It is important for medical coders and healthcare facilities to use the most current code set to ensure accurate billing and compliance. The stability of this code is notable as it has remained unchanged since its introduction in 2016, reflecting a consistent classification over the years.
- American ICD-10-CM Version: M70.61 is the United States’ specific version of this diagnostic code. It’s crucial to note that international versions of ICD-10 M70.61 might have variations, highlighting the importance of using the correct coding system based on geographical location and healthcare standards.
Synonyms and Related Terms for M70.61
Understanding the synonyms for M70.61 can aid in recognizing this diagnosis code when encountered in different medical documentation or clinical settings. Approximate synonyms include:
- Right trochanteric bursitis
- Trochanteric bursitis of right hip
- Right trochanteric tendinitis (while tendinitis and bursitis are distinct, they often co-occur or are used interchangeably in some contexts when referring to trochanteric pain)
- Trochanteric tendonitis of right lower limb
- Bilateral trochanteric bursitis and Bilateral trochanteric tendinitis (when both sides are affected, though M70.61 specifically refers to the right hip, understanding bilateral terms provides broader context)
- Tendinitis of bilateral trochanteric tendons (similarly, for bilateral cases but relevant to trochanteric conditions)
M70.61 in the ICD-10-CM Hierarchy
M70.61 is part of a detailed classification system within ICD-10-CM. It is positioned adjacent to other related codes, providing context within the broader spectrum of hip and soft tissue disorders. Codes near M70.61 include:
- M70.60: Trochanteric bursitis, unspecified hip (when the affected side is not specified)
- M70.62: Trochanteric bursitis, left hip (for cases affecting the left hip)
- M70.7-M70.72: Codes for other bursitis of the hip, further differentiating types and locations of hip bursitis.
- M70.4-M70.52: Codes related to bursitis of the knee, demonstrating the system’s organization by anatomical location.
Understanding this hierarchical structure is helpful for medical coders to navigate the ICD-10-CM system and select the most accurate and specific code for a given diagnosis.
Conclusion
The M70.61 diagnosis code is a precise tool within the ICD-10-CM system for classifying and documenting trochanteric bursitis of the right hip. Its specificity is essential for accurate medical records, proper billing, and effective communication among healthcare professionals. For anyone involved in medical coding, billing, or healthcare administration, a thorough understanding of codes like M70.61 is paramount for maintaining efficient and accurate healthcare processes.
