Bursitis, unspecified hand

This code signifies inflammation of a bursa within the hand, without further specification of the exact bursa involved or the underlying cause. Bursitis is characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness over the affected joint.

Apply this code when documentation indicates bursitis of the hand but lacks specificity regarding the anatomical location (e.g., wrist, finger) or the etiology (e.g., traumatic, infectious). It is appropriate when the provider's diagnosis is "hand bursitis, unspecified."

• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies a more precise location, such as wrist bursitis (M70.0-) or finger bursitis (M70.1- with laterality).
• Always query the provider for greater specificity if possible, as more detailed codes exist for hand bursitis.
• Do not use this code for tenosynovitis, which involves inflammation of the tendon sheath rather than the bursa.