M21.221 (Flexion deformity, right elbow) compared with M21.222 (Flexion deformity, left elbow), from the official CMS tabular data. M21.221 and M21.222 code the same condition on opposite sides. MedCoder-derived
Same condition; these differ only in which side is documented.
These codes share a category and title and differ only in the side affected. The documentation decides which applies, and a bilateral code is reported only where the code set provides one.
Source: ICD-10-CM tabular list (laterality variant derived from the code title)
Same condition, opposite side. M21.221 and M21.222 name the same condition on opposite sides of the body.
Same category and title, differing only in which side is affected — the documentation decides which one applies, and a bilateral code is reported only where the code set provides one.
| M21.221Flexion deformity, right elbow | M21.222Flexion deformity, left elbow | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing status | Billable | Billable |
| Classification | M00-M99 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue | M00-M99 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue |
| Definition | Flexion deformity, right elbow is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (M21.221). | Flexion deformity, left elbow is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (M21.222). |
Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources