Unsp synovitis and tenosynovitis, unspecified shoulder

This code describes inflammation of the synovial membrane, which lines joints and tendon sheaths, in the shoulder joint. It indicates a general inflammatory process affecting the shoulder's soft tissues without further specification of the exact type or cause of the synovitis or tenosynovitis.

Use this code when documentation indicates synovitis or tenosynovitis of the shoulder, but the specific type (e.g., infectious, crystal-induced) or the affected side (left or right) is not clearly documented. This is a default code for shoulder inflammation when more specific details are absent.

• Avoid using this code if the laterality (left or right shoulder) is specified; instead, use the appropriate M65.91- code with the 5th or 6th character for laterality.
• If the specific type of synovitis or tenosynovitis is known (e.g., M65.81- for other specified synovitis and tenosynovitis of shoulder), use that more precise code.
• Always query the provider for more specific documentation regarding laterality and the specific type of inflammation to allow for more precise coding.