ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) code group BL33 includes procedures performed to image tendons in the lower extremity using magnetic resonance imaging. These ICD-10-PCS codes are used for inpatient documentation when diagnostic evaluation or monitoring of lower extremity tendon pathology is performed with magnetic resonance imaging. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-PCS BL33 group is essential for proper inpatient reimbursement, as it captures the imaging modality and anatomic site performed.

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Tendons, Lower Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging Procedure Overview

This code group includes magnetic resonance imaging procedures that capture multiplanar images of tendons in the lower extremity connective tissue system. These procedures involve noninvasive imaging using magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to evaluate tendon integrity, tears, inflammation, or postoperative changes. Accurate coding identifies the anatomic target and imaging modality, which supports correct inpatient documentation and appropriate reimbursement.

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
B	Section	Imaging
L	Body System	Connective Tissue
3	Operation	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
3	Body Part	Tendons, Lower Extremity

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Tendons, Lower Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
B	Section	Imaging
L	Body System	Connective Tissue
3	Operation	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
3	Body Part	Tendons, Lower Extremity

When to Use

Use codes from this group when inpatient magnetic resonance imaging is performed specifically to evaluate or monitor tendons in the lower extremity. This includes imaging for suspected tendon tears, tendinopathy, postoperative assessment, or inflammatory changes.

ICD-10-PCS Codes

3 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
BL33Y0Z	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Lower Extremity Tendons using Other Contrast, Unenhanced and Enhanced
BL33YZZ	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Lower Extremity Tendons using Other Contrast
BL33ZZZ	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Lower Extremity Tendons

Typical Clinical Scenarios

A middle-aged runner is admitted after acute onset of severe posterior ankle pain and swelling following a sprint; clinical exam suggests an Achilles tendon rupture. Inpatient magnetic resonance imaging is ordered to confirm the extent and location of the tendon tear and to guide urgent surgical planning. The study includes both unenhanced sequences and sequences obtained after administration of an MR contrast agent to better delineate tendon retraction and surrounding soft tissue edema. Typical codes: BL33Y0Z
An older patient with chronic posterior heel pain and suspected degenerative tendinopathy is admitted for perioperative evaluation before scheduled tendon debridement. Preoperative inpatient MRI is performed to assess tendon degeneration, partial-thickness tearing, and adjacent bursitis to inform the surgical approach. The MRI is completed without contrast because clinical question is focused on tendon morphology and extent of degenerative change. Typical codes: BL33ZZZ
A patient previously treated surgically for posterior tibial tendon repair presents with increasing pain and swelling several weeks post-op, raising concern for infection or repair failure. Inpatient MRI with nonstandard contrast sequences is performed to evaluate postoperative integrity of the tendon repair, detect fluid collections, and distinguish granulation tissue from recurrent tear or abscess. The imaging uses specialized contrast techniques documented as other contrast to clarify postoperative findings. Typical codes: BL33YZZ

ICD-10-PCS Code For Connective Tissue, Upper Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

BL31-CONNECTIVE-TISSUE-LOWER-EXTREMITY-MRI

ICD-10-PCS Code For Connective Tissue, Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

BL32-TENDONS-UPPER-EXTREMITY-MRI

ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Upper Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

3 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
BL33Y0Z	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Lower Extremity Tendons using Other Contrast, Unenhanced and Enhanced
BL33YZZ	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Lower Extremity Tendons using Other Contrast
BL33ZZZ	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Lower Extremity Tendons

Typical Clinical Scenarios

A middle-aged runner is admitted after acute onset of severe posterior ankle pain and swelling following a sprint; clinical exam suggests an Achilles tendon rupture. Inpatient magnetic resonance imaging is ordered to confirm the extent and location of the tendon tear and to guide urgent surgical planning. The study includes both unenhanced sequences and sequences obtained after administration of an MR contrast agent to better delineate tendon retraction and surrounding soft tissue edema. Typical codes: BL33Y0Z
An older patient with chronic posterior heel pain and suspected degenerative tendinopathy is admitted for perioperative evaluation before scheduled tendon debridement. Preoperative inpatient MRI is performed to assess tendon degeneration, partial-thickness tearing, and adjacent bursitis to inform the surgical approach. The MRI is completed without contrast because clinical question is focused on tendon morphology and extent of degenerative change. Typical codes: BL33ZZZ
A patient previously treated surgically for posterior tibial tendon repair presents with increasing pain and swelling several weeks post-op, raising concern for infection or repair failure. Inpatient MRI with nonstandard contrast sequences is performed to evaluate postoperative integrity of the tendon repair, detect fluid collections, and distinguish granulation tissue from recurrent tear or abscess. The imaging uses specialized contrast techniques documented as other contrast to clarify postoperative findings. Typical codes: BL33YZZ

ICD-10-PCS Code For Connective Tissue, Upper Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

BL31-CONNECTIVE-TISSUE-LOWER-EXTREMITY-MRI

ICD-10-PCS Code For Connective Tissue, Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

BL32-TENDONS-UPPER-EXTREMITY-MRI

ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Upper Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Tendons, Lower Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

OpenPayer

ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Tendons, Lower Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Tendons, Lower Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Tendons Lower Extremity: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Tendons, Lower Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which procedures are included in the BL33 code group?

What is the operation and body system identified for BL33 codes?

When should BL33 group codes be used for inpatient documentation?

Do BL33 codes indicate the use of contrast?

Are there any related DRGs listed for BL33 procedures?

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which procedures are included in the BL33 code group?

What is the operation and body system identified for BL33 codes?

When should BL33 group codes be used for inpatient documentation?

Do BL33 codes indicate the use of contrast?

Are there any related DRGs listed for BL33 procedures?

References