Unspecified synovitis and tenosynovitis, unspecified forearm

This code represents inflammation of the synovial membrane (synovitis) or the tendon sheath (tenosynovitis) in an unspecified forearm. It indicates a general inflammatory process affecting these structures without further specification of the cause or precise location within the forearm.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates synovitis or tenosynovitis of the forearm, but the specific etiology (e.g., infectious, traumatic, autoimmune) is not identified, and the laterality (left or right) is also not specified. This code is appropriate when the provider's diagnosis is broad and lacks the detail for more specific codes.

• Avoid using this code if laterality (left or right forearm) is documented; instead, select a more specific code.
• Always query the provider for more specific information regarding the cause and laterality of the synovitis/tenosynovitis to allow for more precise coding.
• Do not use this code if a more specific anatomical site within the forearm (e.g., wrist, hand) is documented, as other codes exist for those locations.