ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Osteoarthritis of the Knee(M17.0, M17.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bilateral Osteoarthritis 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 Bilateral Osteoarthritis of the Knee
M15-M19Primary Range
Arthritis and related disorders
This range includes codes for osteoarthritis, including bilateral and primary forms.
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 bilateral knee osteoarthritis is primary and not due to trauma or secondary causes. |
|
| M17.2 | Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis | Use when OA 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 osteoarthritis knee
Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bilateral osteoarthritis knee
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Degenerative changes in both knees confirmed by imaging
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of 'primary' and 'bilateral' in clinical notes
Applicable To
- Degenerative joint disease of both knees
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing degenerative changes in both knees
- Absence of trauma or systemic disease
- Age >50 with progressive symptoms
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if trauma history is present
- Use of unspecified codes when laterality is known
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'bilateral' and 'primary' to avoid queries.
M17.2 - Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis
Use when OA is secondary to a documented knee injury.
Applicable To
- Osteoarthritis due to previous knee injury
Excludes
- Primary osteoarthritis (M17.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of knee trauma
- Imaging showing post-traumatic changes
Coding Notes
Document the specific trauma history clearly.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
BMI ≥40 for obesity-related OA
Z68.3xDocumentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Osteoarthritis 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: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Review patient history for trauma or systemic disease., Include negative findings in documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential loss of reimbursement due to lower DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality to avoid downcoding.
Impact
Audits may focus on whether laterality and type of OA are documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure clinical notes specify 'bilateral' and 'primary' or 'secondary' as applicable.
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 Bilateral Osteoarthritis of the Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Bilateral Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bilateral Osteoarthritis of the Knee. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Routine orthopedic evaluation for knee pain
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Subjective pain assessment
- Objective physical exam findings
- Imaging results
- Exclusion of other diagnoses
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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