Excludes1 pair
M20.0- vs M72.0
M20.0 and M72.0 are not coded together. ICD-10-CM declares them mutually exclusive with an Excludes1 note — the two conditions are not expected to occur together, so exactly one of them is normally correct for a given encounter. The Official Guidelines carve out one exception: if the two conditions are clearly unrelated to each other, both may be reported.
The official note, declared on M20.0
palmar fascial fibromatosis [Dupuytren] (M72.0)
M20.0
Deformity of finger(s)
Not billable
- Chapter 13
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
- Section
- M20-M25
M72.0
Palmar fascial fibromatosis [Dupuytren]
Billable
- Chapter 13
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
- Section
- M70-M79
Indexed under
- Dupuytren's contraction or disease
- Contraction, contracture, contracted › Dupuytren's
- Contraction, contracture, contracted › palmar fascia
- Disease, diseased › Dupuytren's (muscle contracture)
- Fibromatosis › Dupuytren's
Excludes1 is not always absolute: where two conditions covered by the note are genuinely unrelated, CMS guidance permits reporting both. Document the reasoning rather than assuming it. More on Excludes1 vs Excludes2 · FY2027