2025 ICD-10-CM code M79.1
(Deleted) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Musculoskeletal - Other soft tissue disorders Chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue Feed
Myalgia, unspecified site; muscle pain.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the context of the service provided. For example, modifiers might indicate the place of service, the type of service (e.g., physical therapy), or the use of anesthesia.
Medical necessity for treatment of myalgia depends on the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient's functional abilities.Documentation should support the need for the chosen treatment plan.
Diagnosis of myalgia involves a patient history and physical examination. Treatment options may include physical therapy, massage therapy, analgesics, muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, or corticosteroid injections.The physician's responsibility includes evaluating the patient's symptoms, determining the appropriate diagnosis, and creating a treatment plan.
- Chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
- M79 Other and unspecified soft tissue disorders, not elsewhere classified
In simple words: This code describes muscle pain. The doctor uses this code when they don't know exactly which muscle is hurting.
M79.1, Myalgia, is an ICD-10-CM code that represents muscle pain.It's categorized under "Other soft tissue disorders" (M70-M79) within Chapter 13 of the ICD-10-CM classification system.This code is used when the specific location of the myalgia is unknown or cannot be determined. More specific codes exist for myalgia in specific muscle groups (e.g., masticatory muscles, head and neck muscles).
Example 1: A patient presents with widespread muscle aches, but the location of the pain isn't clearly defined. The physician uses M79.10, Myalgia, unspecified site., A patient reports severe pain in the jaw muscles after a dental procedure.The physician uses M79.11, Myalgia of mastication muscles., A patient complains of pain in the muscles of the neck and shoulder region after prolonged computer work. The physician uses M79.12, Myalgia of auxiliary muscles of the head and neck.
Detailed patient history, including onset, location, and character of pain, aggravating and relieving factors, related symptoms (e.g., fatigue, stiffness), any associated trauma or repetitive strain injuries.Physical examination findings, including palpation for muscle tenderness, trigger points, and assessment of range of motion. Relevant imaging studies or laboratory tests (if performed).
** This code is no longer valid. Always use the more specific codes that replaced it, depending on the location and characteristics of the myalgia.The use of this code post-2018 could result in claim denials.
- Payment Status: Inactive
- Specialties:Rheumatology, Family Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Clinic