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ICD-10 Coding for Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee(M17.11, M17.31)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Osteoarthritis of Right KneeRight Knee DJD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee

M15-M19Primary Range

Osteoarthritis

This range includes all forms of osteoarthritis, including primary and post-traumatic types affecting the knee.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M17.11Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right kneeUse when primary degenerative changes are confirmed by imaging without prior trauma.
  • X-ray showing joint space narrowing and osteophytes
  • No history of trauma
M17.31Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right kneeUse when OA is directly linked to a previous injury or surgery.
  • Documented history of knee trauma or surgery
  • 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 DJD of right knee

Essential facts and insights about Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee

The ICD-10 code for DJD of the right knee is M17.11 for primary osteoarthritis and M17.31 for post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for djd of right knee

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Absence of trauma history and imaging confirmation of OA

Applicable To

  • Primary OA of right knee

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M17.31)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray showing joint space narrowing and osteophytes
  • No history of trauma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as post-traumatic without evidence

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' and includes imaging findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right knee

M25.561
Use when pain management is a significant part of the treatment plan.

Presence of right artificial knee joint

Z96.651
Use post-TKA to indicate presence of prosthesis.

Differential Codes

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

Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right knee

M17.31
Use when there is a documented history of trauma leading to OA.

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee

M17.11
Use when OA is not linked to trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M17.11.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Review patient history thoroughly, Document any relevant past injuries

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and type of OA when documented.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for documentation review.

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 Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary OA of Right Knee

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment history

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic right knee pain. X-ray shows joint space narrowing and osteophytes. No history of trauma. Diagnosis: Primary OA right knee (M17.11).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Degenerative changes in right knee.
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis right knee with osteophytes and subchondral sclerosis on weight-bearing X-ray.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of OA and includes imaging findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Degenerative Joint Disease of Right Knee? Ask your questions below.

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