ICD-10 Code for Clavicular Cyst
The appropriate ICD-10-CM code for a cyst on the clavicle (collar bone) is M85.60 (Other cyst of bone, unspecified site) or more specifically M85.611 (Other cyst of bone, right shoulder) or M85.612 (Other cyst of bone, left shoulder), depending on laterality.
Code Selection Rationale
The ICD-10-CM coding system requires anatomic specificity when available. For a cyst located on the clavicle:
- Primary code family: M85.6x series ("Other cyst of bone")
- Anatomic specification: The clavicle falls under the "shoulder" region in ICD-10-CM anatomic coding
- Laterality requirement: You must specify right (M85.611) or left (M85.612) side
Alternative Codes to Consider
If the cyst has specific characteristics, consider these alternatives:
- M85.40-M85.49: Solitary bone cyst (if imaging confirms a simple, solitary lesion)
- M85.50-M85.59: Aneurysmal bone cyst (if imaging shows characteristic fluid-fluid levels and expansile features)
- M85.60: Use this unspecified site code only when laterality is truly unknown
Common Coding Pitfalls
Avoid these errors:
- Do not use M25.78 (other specified joint disorders) - this is for joint-related pathology, not bone cysts
- Do not default to unspecified codes (M85.60) when laterality is documented
- Do not use soft tissue cyst codes (M71.3x series for bursal cysts) unless the cyst is clearly in soft tissue rather than bone
Documentation Requirements
For accurate coding, ensure your clinical documentation includes:
- Exact anatomic location: "right clavicle" or "left clavicle"
- Cyst characteristics: Simple vs. complex, size, imaging findings
- Symptomatic status: Whether causing pain, functional limitation, or discovered incidentally
The specificity of ICD-10-CM coding directly impacts reimbursement accuracy and data quality for research purposes 1, 2. Using the most specific code available (with laterality) is essential for proper documentation and billing.