Calcific tendinitis, unspecified ankle and foot

This code signifies inflammation of a tendon in the ankle or foot due to calcium deposits, where the specific ankle or foot (right or left) is not documented. It represents a form of tendinopathy characterized by the presence of calcification within the tendon tissue.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "calcific tendinitis" affecting the ankle or foot, but the laterality (right or left) is not specified. This is appropriate for initial encounters where laterality is unknown or for follow-up documentation that omits laterality.

• Always strive for laterality (right or left) if documented; codes M65.271 (right) or M65.272 (left) are more specific.
• Do not confuse with other forms of tendinitis (e.g., M76.- series for enthesopathies) or tenosynovitis (M65.8-).
• Ensure the documentation explicitly mentions "calcific" to differentiate from general tendinitis.