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ICD-10 Coding for Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis(M19.011, M19.012, M19.211)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

AC Joint ArthritisShoulder Osteoarthritis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis

M19.01-M19.93Primary Range

Osteoarthritis of shoulder

This range includes codes for primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the shoulder, including the acromioclavicular joint.

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 primary osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the right AC joint with imaging confirmation.
  • X-ray showing osteophytes and joint space narrowing
  • Clinical documentation of chronic shoulder pain
M19.012Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulderUse when primary osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the left AC joint with imaging confirmation.
  • X-ray showing osteophytes and joint space narrowing
  • Clinical documentation of chronic shoulder pain
M19.211Secondary osteoarthritis, right shoulderUse for secondary osteoarthritis in the right AC joint due to previous trauma.
  • History of trauma or previous injury
  • Imaging showing degenerative changes

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 AC joint arthritis

Essential facts and insights about Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis

The ICD-10 code for primary osteoarthritis of the AC joint is M19.011 for the right shoulder and M19.012 for the left shoulder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for before meals joint arthritis

Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed by imaging showing osteophytes and joint space narrowing

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'primary osteoarthritis' and laterality

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of the right AC joint

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray showing osteophytes and joint space narrowing
  • Clinical documentation of chronic shoulder pain

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as unspecified osteoarthritis
  • Failure to document laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented and confirmed by imaging.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right shoulder

M25.511
Use if pain is separately addressed and not integral to the OA diagnosis.

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use if pain is separately addressed and not integral to the OA diagnosis.

Sprain of acromioclavicular joint, sequela

S43.5XXS
Use to document previous injury leading to secondary OA.

Differential Codes

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

Rheumatoid arthritis with involvement of right shoulder

M05.411
Presence of positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies

Rheumatoid arthritis with involvement of left shoulder

M05.412
Presence of positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies

Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder

M19.011
No history of trauma; primary degenerative changes

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always include laterality in documentation, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality and type of osteoarthritis

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific ones are available

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific code selection

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 Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis

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

Diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis in the AC joint

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Laterality
  • Type of osteoarthritis

Example Documentation

Primary osteoarthritis of the right AC joint confirmed by X-ray showing osteophytes and joint space narrowing.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder arthritis, recommend injection.
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis, right AC joint (M19.011) with subacromial bursitis. Ultrasound-guided injection performed.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of arthritis, laterality, and includes imaging confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis? Ask your questions below.

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