M21.12 - Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, elbow

Version 2023
ICD-10:M21.12
Short Description:Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, elbow
Long Description:Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, elbow
Status: Not Valid for Submission
Version:ICD-10-CM 2023
Code Classification:
  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00–M99)
    • Other joint disorders (M20-M25)
      • Other acquired deformities of limbs (M21)

M21.12 is a non-specific and non-billable ICD-10 code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, elbow. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2023 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding for Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, elbow

Non-specific codes like M21.12 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, elbow:

  • BILLABLE CODE - Use M21.121 for Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, right elbow
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use M21.122 for Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, left elbow
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use M21.129 for Varus deformity, not elsewhere classified, unspecified elbow

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10 codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more. The following references are applicable to this diagnosis code:


Inclusion Terms

Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.

Index to Diseases and Injuries References

The Index to Diseases and Injuries is an alphabetical listing of medical terms, with each term mapped to one or more ICD-10 code(s). The following references for this diagnosis code are found in the injuries and diseases index:

Patient Education


Elbow Injuries and Disorders

Your elbow joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you have elbow problems.

Many things can make your elbow hurt. A common cause is tendinitis, an inflammation or injury to the tendons that attach muscle to bone. Tendinitis of the elbow is a sports injury, often from playing tennis or golf. You may also get tendinitis from overuse of the elbow.

Other causes of elbow pain include sprains and strains, fractures (broken bones), dislocations, bursitis, and arthritis. Treatment depends on the cause.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History