ICD-10 Coding for Arthrosis of the Knee(M17.0, M17.11, M17.3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Arthrosis of the Knee. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Arthrosis of the Knee
M17.0-M17.9Primary Range
Osteoarthritis of the knee
This range includes codes for primary, secondary, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee, with specifications for laterality and underlying conditions.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M17.0 | Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee | Use when both knees are affected by primary osteoarthritis without trauma or underlying conditions. |
|
| M17.11 | Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee | Use when only the right knee is affected by primary osteoarthritis. |
|
| M17.3 | Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, knee | Use when osteoarthritis is secondary to a documented knee injury. |
|
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 bilateral knee osteoarthritis
Essential facts and insights about Arthrosis of the Knee
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for arthrosis knee
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Bilateral knee pain with radiographic evidence
Applicable To
- Bilateral knee osteoarthritis without underlying condition
Excludes
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M17.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Bilateral knee pain
- X-ray evidence of joint space narrowing and osteophytes
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as unilateral when both knees are involved
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies bilateral involvement and absence of trauma.
M17.11 - Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee
Use when only the right knee is affected by primary osteoarthritis.
Applicable To
- Primary osteoarthritis of the right knee
Excludes
- Secondary osteoarthritis (M17.5)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Right knee pain
- X-ray showing osteophytes and joint space narrowing
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies right knee involvement.
M17.3 - Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, knee
Use when osteoarthritis is secondary to a documented knee injury.
Applicable To
- Osteoarthritis following knee injury
Excludes
- Primary osteoarthritis (M17.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of knee trauma
- Radiographic evidence of degenerative changes post-injury
Coding Notes
Ensure trauma history is clearly documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Morbid obesity
E66.01Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Arthrosis of the Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M17.0.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential denial of claims
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the underlying condition, Use appropriate secondary codes
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect billing and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify and document the involvement of both knees before coding.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of which knee is affected can lead to coding errors.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure laterality is clearly documented in all clinical notes.
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 Arthrosis of the Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Arthrosis of the Knee
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Arthrosis of the Knee. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Orthopedic evaluation for knee osteoarthritis
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Pain characteristics
- Functional limitations
- Imaging results
- Failed treatments
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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