M25.4
Header — not billable
Effusion of joint
Effusion of joint
M25.4 is a header (parent) code in the ICD-10-CM hierarchy. It is not billable for claim submission. Use one of the billable child codes listed below.
Billable codes in this category
Each of the codes below is billable. Choose the one that most accurately describes the patient's diagnosis.
M25.40
Effusion, unspecified joint
M25.48 Joint effusion — excess fluid accumulation in a synovial joint cavity — where the specific joint affected is not documented or identified in the medical record.
Effusion, other site
Joint effusion occurring at a site not captured by any of the anatomically specific M25.4x subcodes — most notably spinal facet joints and the pelvic region.
Inclusion & exclusion notes
Excludes 1 (mutually exclusive — never code together)
- hydrarthrosis in yaws (A66.6)
- intermittent hydrarthrosis (M12.4-)
- other infective (teno)synovitis (M65.1-)