The M75.42 Diagnosis Code is a critical component of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system. Specifically, M75.42 is used to classify Impingement syndrome of the left shoulder. This code is essential for medical billing, record-keeping, and epidemiological statistics within the healthcare industry in the United States and other countries utilizing the ICD-10-CM system.
Decoding M75.42: Impingement Syndrome of the Left Shoulder
M75.42 is a billable and specific code, meaning it is precise enough to be used for reimbursement purposes and clearly identifies a particular medical condition. It falls under the broader category of shoulder lesions (M75) and more specifically, impingement syndrome of the shoulder (M75.4). The “.42” extension pinpoints the location to the left shoulder.
Synonyms for M75.42, which can aid in understanding and searching for this code, include:
- Impingement syndrome of left shoulder region
- Impingement syndrome of bilateral shoulders (when used in conjunction with right shoulder code)
- Impingement syndrome of both shoulders (when used in conjunction with right shoulder code)
- Bilateral impingement syndrome of shoulders (when used in conjunction with right shoulder code)
These alternative descriptions clarify that M75.42 refers to a condition where soft tissues around the left shoulder joint are compressed, often during arm movements. This compression can lead to pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion.
ICD-10-CM Context and History of M75.42
The M75.42 code officially came into effect on October 1, 2015, as part of the initial implementation of the non-draft ICD-10-CM system for 2016. The current version, 2025 ICD-10-CM M75.42, is effective from October 1, 2024. Notably, the code definition and application have remained consistent since its introduction, reflecting the stable understanding and classification of left shoulder impingement syndrome within medical coding standards. This stability is reflected in the code history:
- 2016: New code (first year of non-draft ICD-10-CM)
- 2017 – 2025: No change
This consistent history is important for healthcare providers and billing professionals as it ensures long-term reliability and reduces confusion in using the M75.42 diagnosis code for left shoulder impingement.
Related ICD-10-CM Codes
Understanding related codes provides valuable context for M75.42. Adjacent codes in the ICD-10-CM manual include classifications for impingement syndrome and other shoulder conditions affecting different locations or with different specificities:
- M75.40: Impingement syndrome of unspecified shoulder
- M75.41: Impingement syndrome of right shoulder
- M75.22: Bicipital tendinitis of left shoulder
- M75.32: Calcific tendinitis of left shoulder
- M75.52: Bursitis of left shoulder
- M75.82: Other shoulder lesions, left shoulder
These codes highlight the importance of laterality (left vs. right shoulder) and specificity (impingement vs. bursitis, tendinitis) within the ICD-10-CM system for accurate diagnosis coding and medical documentation.
Importance of Accurate M75.42 Coding
Correctly applying the M75.42 diagnosis code is crucial for several reasons:
- Reimbursement: Accurate coding ensures that healthcare providers receive appropriate reimbursement for services rendered in diagnosing and treating left shoulder impingement.
- Data Analysis: Consistent use of M75.42 allows for reliable tracking of the prevalence and incidence of left shoulder impingement, contributing to valuable epidemiological data.
- Clinical Documentation: Using the specific M75.42 code provides clear and unambiguous documentation of a patient’s diagnosis in their medical records.
In conclusion, the M75.42 diagnosis code is a fundamental tool in medical classification, specifically identifying Impingement syndrome of the left shoulder. Its consistent application and understanding are essential for accurate billing, healthcare statistics, and effective patient care within the framework of the ICD-10-CM system.
