What is the ICD‑10‑CM code for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)?

ICD-10-CM Code for Tennis Elbow

The ICD-10-CM code for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is M77.1 (Lateral epicondylitis).

Code Details

• M77.1 is the specific diagnosis code for lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow
• This code falls under the broader category of M77 (Other enthesopathies)
• The code applies to tendinosis of the common extensor tendon at the lateral epicondyle

Clinical Context

Tennis elbow is the most common cause of chronic elbow pain, affecting 1-3% of the adult population annually 1, 2. The condition involves pain and dysfunction at the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus 3.

Key Diagnostic Features for Documentation:

• Pain over the lateral epicondyle that may radiate to the forearm 4
• Pain with resisted wrist or elbow extension 5
• Pain with prolonged wrist extension activities 5
• Most commonly affects individuals aged 40-60, with slight female predominance 5
• Diagnosis is primarily clinical based on history and physical examination 2, 3

Important Coding Considerations:

• The diagnosis does not require imaging confirmation for coding purposes, as it is clinically diagnosed 3
• If bilateral involvement is present, you may need to specify laterality using additional characters depending on your coding system requirements
• The code applies whether the condition is occupational or recreational in origin 1, 6

This code is used for both acute and chronic presentations of lateral epicondylitis 7.