M21.5
Non-Billable

Acquired clawhand, clubhand, clawfoot and clubfoot

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Acquired clawhand, clubhand, clawfoot and clubfoot?

ICD-10-CM M21.5 is the diagnosis code for Acquired clawhand, clubhand, clawfoot and clubfoot. This code falls under the section "Other joint disorders" within Chapter 13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for M21.5

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as M21.5. They are mutually exclusive:

  • clubfoot, not specified as acquired (Q66.89)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where M21.5 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 4 entries
M21.51Acquired clawhandNon-BillableM21.511Acquired clawhand, right handBillableM21.512Acquired clawhand, left handBillableM21.519Acquired clawhand, unspecified handBillableM21.52Acquired clubhandNon-BillableM21.521Acquired clubhand, right handBillableM21.522Acquired clubhand, left handBillableM21.529Acquired clubhand, unspecified handBillableM21.53Acquired clawfootNon-BillableM21.531Acquired clawfoot, right footBillableM21.532Acquired clawfoot, left footBillableM21.539Acquired clawfoot, unspecified footBillableM21.54Acquired clubfootNon-BillableM21.541Acquired clubfoot, right footBillableM21.542Acquired clubfoot, left footBillableM21.549Acquired clubfoot, unspecified footBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M21.5 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, M21.5 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does M21.5 mean?

M21.5 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Acquired clawhand, clubhand, clawfoot and clubfoot". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of M21.5?

The parent code of M21.5 is M21 ("Other acquired deformities of limbs"). M21.5 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is M21.5 in?

M21.5 is located in Section M20-M25 — "Other joint disorders" within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of M21.5?

M21.5 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: M21.51, M21.52, M21.53, M21.54.

When should I use M21.5?

Use M21.5 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Acquired clawhand, clubhand, clawfoot and clubfoot" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Acquired clawhand, clubhand, clawfoot and clubfoot?

The ICD-10-CM code for Acquired clawhand, clubhand, clawfoot and clubfoot is M21.5.

Can M21.5 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, M21.5 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is M21.5 in?

M21.5 is in Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from M21.5?

Type 1 Excludes for M21.5 include: clubfoot, not specified as acquired (Q66.89).

Is M21.5 valid for 2026?

Yes, M21.5 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousM21.42Flat foot [pes planus] (acquired), left footNext →M21.51Acquired clawhand
Code Details
M21.5
Acquired clawhand, clubhand, clawfoot and clubfoot
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
13 — Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
M20-M25 — Other joint disorders
2026 ICD-10-CM