Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Baker's Cyst Left Knee(M71.22)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Baker's Cyst Left Knee. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Popliteal CystSynovial Cyst of Popliteal Space

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Baker's Cyst Left Knee

M71.2-M71.29Primary Range

Other bursitis, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for synovial cysts, specifically Baker's cysts, with laterality.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for Baker's cyst left knee

Essential facts and insights about Baker's Cyst Left Knee

The ICD-10 code for a Baker's cyst in the left knee is M71.22, used when confirmed by imaging.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for baker's cyst left knee

Synovial cyst of popliteal space [Baker], left knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a fluid-filled swelling behind the left knee confirmed by imaging.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'synovial cyst of popliteal space [Baker], left knee'.

Applicable To

  • Baker's cyst of the left knee

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound or MRI confirmation of cyst
  • Documentation of fluid-filled swelling behind the left knee

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with ganglion cysts
  • Omission of laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'Baker's cyst' and includes imaging confirmation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left knee

M25.561
Use when documenting associated knee pain.

Stiffness of left knee

M25.662
Use when documenting associated knee stiffness.

Differential Codes

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

Ganglion cyst

M67.4-
Ganglion cysts do not communicate with the joint space.

Deep vein thrombosis

I80.2-
DVT presents with different symptoms and requires different diagnostic tests.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Baker's Cyst Left Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M71.22.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in patient records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging confirms joint communication for Baker's cyst.

Impact

Claims without imaging confirmation of Baker's cyst may be audited.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all claims include imaging reports confirming the cyst.

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 Baker's Cyst Left Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Baker's Cyst Left Knee

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Baker's Cyst Left Knee. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic evaluation of Baker's cyst

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Associated conditions

Example Documentation

Patient reports swelling behind left knee. MRI confirms 3 cm Baker's cyst. Associated with osteoarthritis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left knee cyst.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm Baker's cyst in left popliteal fossa confirmed by MRI, associated with osteoarthritis.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of cyst, location, confirmation method, and associated condition.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Baker's Cyst Left Knee? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more