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ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Total Knee Replacement(M17.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bilateral Total Knee Replacement. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bilateral TKABilateral Knee Arthroplasty

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Total Knee Replacement

M17.0-M17.9Primary Range

Osteoarthritis of knee

This range includes codes for osteoarthritis of the knee, which is a common indication for bilateral total knee replacement.

Presence of artificial knee joint

These codes are used to indicate the presence of a prosthetic knee joint post-surgery.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bilateral total knee replacement

Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Total Knee Replacement

The ICD-10 code for bilateral total knee replacement due to primary osteoarthritis is M17.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for bilateral total knee replacement

Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Bilateral knee pain with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed history of conservative treatment failure

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of both knees

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray evidence of bilateral joint space narrowing
  • Documentation of failed conservative treatments

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unilateral osteoarthritis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure bilateral procedures are documented with appropriate modifiers.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of right artificial knee joint

Z96.651
Use post-operatively to indicate the presence of a prosthetic knee joint.

Presence of left artificial knee joint

Z96.652
Use post-operatively to indicate the presence of a prosthetic knee joint.

Differential Codes

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

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee

M17.1
Use M17.1 when osteoarthritis affects only one knee.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Total Knee Replacement 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 incorrect clinical interpretation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always review procedure documentation for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use M17.0 for bilateral osteoarthritis.

Impact

Failure to use Modifier 50 for bilateral procedures.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training for coding staff on modifier use.

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 Total Knee Replacement, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bilateral Total Knee Replacement

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bilateral Total Knee Replacement. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Simultaneous Bilateral TKA

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Required Elements

  • Indication for surgery
  • Details of conservative treatment
  • Radiographic findings
  • Surgical approach and implant details

Example Documentation

Patient with bilateral primary osteoarthritis underwent simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Pre-operative X-rays showed severe joint space narrowing. Conservative treatments including NSAIDs and physical therapy failed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has knee pain, surgery done.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with bilateral grade 4 osteoarthritis, failed conservative management, underwent bilateral TKA with cemented prostheses.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and justification for surgery.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bilateral Total Knee Replacement? Ask your questions below.

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