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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Hip Pain(M25.551, M25.552, G89.29)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Hip Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Persistent Hip PainLong-term Hip Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Hip Pain

M25.5Primary Range

Pain in joint

This range includes codes for joint pain, specifically for the hip, which is relevant for chronic hip pain.

Chronic pain, not elsewhere classified

This range is used for chronic pain management, applicable when the focus is on pain control.

Osteoarthritis of hip

This range is relevant when chronic hip pain is due to osteoarthritis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M25.551Pain in right hipUse when the patient presents with chronic pain specifically in the right hip without a confirmed underlying condition like osteoarthritis.
  • Documentation of right hip pain with specific localization and duration
  • Physical exam findings such as tenderness or limited range of motion
M25.552Pain in left hipUse when the patient presents with chronic pain specifically in the left hip without a confirmed underlying condition like osteoarthritis.
  • Documentation of left hip pain with specific localization and duration
  • Physical exam findings such as tenderness or limited range of motion
G89.29Other chronic painUse when the primary focus of the encounter is on managing chronic pain.
  • Documentation of pain lasting more than 3 months
  • Evidence of multidisciplinary pain management approach

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 chronic hip pain

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Hip Pain

The ICD-10 codes for chronic hip pain are M25.551 for right hip and M25.552 for left hip. Use G89.29 for chronic pain management.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic hip pain

Pain in right hip
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of chronic right hip pain without a specific underlying diagnosis

Applicable To

  • Localized right hip pain

Excludes

  • Osteoarthritis of hip (M16.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of right hip pain with specific localization and duration
  • Physical exam findings such as tenderness or limited range of motion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes if laterality is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the side of the hip affected to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other chronic pain

G89.29
Use when the encounter is focused on pain management rather than evaluation.

Differential Codes

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

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of hip

M16.1
Use M16.1 if imaging confirms osteoarthritis as the cause of hip pain.

Chronic pain due to trauma

G89.21
Use G89.21 if the chronic pain is directly due to a traumatic event.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Hip Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M25.551.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans, Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failure, Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates that include duration prompts, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to non-specific coding., Data Quality: Impacts data quality and accuracy in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the specific side of the hip affected to use M25.551 or M25.552.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality and chronicity.

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 Chronic Hip Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Hip Pain

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Hip Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic hip pain evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history including pain duration and impact
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results if applicable
  • Management plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic right hip pain, 7/10 intensity, worsened by activity. Physical exam shows tenderness over the greater trochanter. MRI indicates no osteoarthritis. Plan includes physical therapy and NSAIDs.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hip pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports chronic right hip pain for 6 months, 7/10 intensity, worsened by walking. Exam reveals tenderness over greater trochanter. MRI shows no OA.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain's duration, intensity, and physical findings, supporting the use of specific ICD-10 codes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Hip Pain? Ask your questions below.

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