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ICD-10 Coding for Arthritis of the Right Ankle(M19.071, M19.171, M06.871)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Arthritis of the Right Ankle. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Right Ankle OsteoarthritisRight Ankle Joint Arthritis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Arthritis of the Right Ankle

M19.0-M19.9Primary Range

Osteoarthritis

This range includes codes for osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis affecting the right ankle.

Other specified rheumatoid arthritis

This range includes codes for rheumatoid arthritis, which can also affect the right ankle.

Gout

This range includes codes for gout, a differential diagnosis for arthritis in the right ankle.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M19.071Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle and footUse when primary osteoarthritis is confirmed in the right ankle with imaging evidence.
  • X-ray evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Patient age typically over 50
  • Symptoms of morning stiffness less than 30 minutes
M19.171Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right ankleUse when osteoarthritis is secondary to a previous injury in the right ankle.
  • History of ankle trauma or fracture
  • Imaging showing joint changes post-injury
M06.871Rheumatoid arthritis, right ankle and footUse when rheumatoid arthritis is confirmed in the right ankle.
  • Positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies
  • Symmetric joint involvement

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for arthritis right ankle

Essential facts and insights about Arthritis of the Right Ankle

The ICD-10 code for primary osteoarthritis of the right ankle is M19.071. For post-traumatic osteoarthritis, use M19.171.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for arthritis right ankle

Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle and foot
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient presents with chronic joint pain and stiffness in the right ankle.

documentation Criteria

  • Document imaging findings and clinical symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of the right ankle

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M19.171)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Patient age typically over 50
  • Symptoms of morning stiffness less than 30 minutes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if imaging is not available

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging supports the diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Pain in right ankle and foot

M25.571
Use when pain management is a significant component of treatment.

Antalgic gait

R26.89
Use to document gait abnormalities due to pain.

Long-term (current) use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID)

Z79.5
Use to document chronic NSAID use for symptom management.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right ankle

M19.171
History of trauma or fracture in the right ankle

Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle

M19.071
No history of trauma; age-related degeneration

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Arthritis of the Right Ankle to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.071.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates, Regular training

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence M19.071 or M19.171 as the primary code.

Impact

Lack of imaging documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all imaging findings are documented in the patient's record.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Arthritis of the Right Ankle, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Arthritis of the Right Ankle

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Arthritis of the Right Ankle. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Rheumatology Progress Note

Specialty: Rheumatology

Required Elements

  • Subjective symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

68F c/o right ankle pain worsening over 6 months. No trauma. Morning stiffness <20 min. Tenderness right tibiotalar joint. Limited dorsiflexion (5° vs 15° left). X-ray right ankle (3/25/25): Medial joint space 1.5mm, osteophytes. Assessment: Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle (M19.071). Plan: Celecoxib 200mg daily; PT referral.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Arthritis in ankle
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis of the right ankle confirmed by weight-bearing X-ray demonstrating medial joint space narrowing (2mm) and subchondral sclerosis.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type, laterality, and provides imaging evidence.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Arthritis of the Right Ankle? Ask your questions below.

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