Muscle wasting and atrophy, NEC, left shoulder

This code signifies a reduction in muscle mass and size in the left shoulder, not attributable to a specific neurological disease, disuse, or other classified causes. It indicates a generalized or localized loss of muscle tissue in the left shoulder region.

Apply this code when documentation specifies muscle atrophy or wasting affecting the left shoulder, and the underlying cause is not explicitly identified or falls outside of other specific atrophy codes (e.g., neurogenic atrophy). Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing physical examination findings, imaging reports (e.g., MRI showing muscle volume loss), or electromyography (EMG) results ruling out neurogenic causes.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "left shoulder" to avoid laterality errors.
• Distinguish from disuse atrophy (M62.50) or neurogenic atrophy (G70.x, G71.x, G72.x) which have specific codes.
• Always look for an underlying cause if documented; this code is for atrophy "not elsewhere classified."