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ICD-10 Coding for Arthritis of the Shoulder(M19.011, M19.012)

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

Also known as:

Shoulder OsteoarthritisDegenerative Joint Disease of the Shoulder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Arthritis of the Shoulder

M19.011-M19.019Primary Range

Primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder

These codes are used for primary osteoarthritis affecting the shoulder, specifying laterality.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder

These codes are used when osteoarthritis develops following a trauma to the shoulder.

Traumatic arthropathy of the shoulder

These codes are used for arthropathy resulting from direct trauma to the shoulder.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M19.011Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulderUse when imaging confirms primary OA in the right shoulder without trauma history.
  • X-ray showing joint space narrowing
  • Absence of rheumatoid factor
M19.012Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulderUse when imaging confirms primary OA in the left shoulder without trauma history.
  • X-ray showing joint space narrowing
  • Absence of rheumatoid factor

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 shoulder

Essential facts and insights about Arthritis of the Shoulder

The ICD-10 codes for arthritis of the shoulder include M19.011 for primary osteoarthritis of the right shoulder and M19.012 for the left shoulder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for arthritis shoulder

Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed by imaging and absence of trauma history

Applicable To

  • Degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M19.111)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray showing joint space narrowing
  • Absence of rheumatoid factor

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if trauma history is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented; use only if no trauma history.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right shoulder

M25.511
Use to document associated pain symptoms.

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use to document associated pain symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right shoulder

M19.111
Requires documented history of shoulder trauma.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left shoulder

M19.112
Requires documented history of shoulder trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Arthritis of the Shoulder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.011.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the specific type of arthritis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Assign separate codes for each shoulder, e.g., M19.011 and M19.012.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to coding errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for laterality.

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 Shoulder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Arthritis of the Shoulder

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

Primary osteoarthritis diagnosis

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Pain assessment
  • Functional limitations

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic right shoulder pain. X-ray shows joint space narrowing and osteophytes. No history of trauma. Diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder (M19.011).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder arthritis, recommend PT.
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder (M19.011) confirmed by X-ray showing joint space narrowing. Failed PT, persistent pain limiting ADLs.
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnosis, imaging evidence, and treatment history.

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

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