Hemarthrosis, right elbow

This code signifies the presence of blood within the joint space of the right elbow. This condition often results in pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected joint. It is a specific type of intra-articular hemorrhage.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates hemarthrosis affecting the right elbow joint. This typically occurs following trauma, such as a fracture or ligamentous injury, or in patients with coagulopathies. Physician notes detailing a bloody aspirate from the right elbow joint or imaging confirming intra-articular hemorrhage in this specific location support its use.

• Always specify laterality (right, left, bilateral) for elbow conditions; "unspecified" codes should be avoided if possible.
• Look for an underlying cause of the hemarthrosis, such as a fracture (e.g., S52.-) or a bleeding disorder (e.g., D68.-), and code it as a primary or secondary diagnosis as appropriate.
• Do not confuse hemarthrosis with other types of elbow effusions (e.g., M25.421, effusion, right elbow) unless blood is explicitly documented.