Unspecified synovitis and tenosynovitis, multiple sites

This code signifies inflammation of the synovial membrane lining a joint or the tendon sheath, affecting multiple, unspecified anatomical locations. It indicates a generalized inflammatory process without a specific etiology or precise anatomical localization documented by the provider.

Use this code when the medical record documents synovitis or tenosynovitis affecting more than one site, but the specific sites are not clearly identified, or the provider has not specified the underlying cause. This code is appropriate when the documentation lacks the detail to assign a more specific code for location or etiology.

• Avoid using this code if the specific anatomical sites of synovitis or tenosynovitis are documented; instead, code to the specific site(s).
• Always query the provider for more specific documentation regarding the affected sites and etiology if possible, to allow for more precise coding.
• This code should be used as a last resort when documentation is insufficient to assign a more specific code.