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

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

Also known as:

Osteoarthritis of the Right KneeRight Knee DJDRight Knee OA

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee

M15-M19Primary Range

Osteoarthritis

This range includes codes for various forms of osteoarthritis, including primary and secondary types affecting different joints.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for DJD right knee

Essential facts and insights about Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee

The ICD-10 code for DJD of the right knee is M17.11, indicating unilateral primary osteoarthritis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for djd right knee

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in the right knee

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'primary' and 'right knee'

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of the right knee

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M17.31)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Presence of osteophytes
  • Clinical symptoms such as pain and stiffness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as secondary osteoarthritis
  • Using unspecified codes like M17.10

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' osteoarthritis and laterality.

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 separate focus of treatment.

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 history of trauma leading to osteoarthritis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Degenerative Joint Disease of the 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: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates, Regular training on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and type of osteoarthritis.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checks to ensure laterality and type are documented.

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 the Right Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Knee

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

Orthopedic assessment of right knee osteoarthritis

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Radiographic evidence
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic right knee pain, crepitus on movement, reduced ROM, and radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing consistent with primary osteoarthritis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right knee arthritis
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis right knee with 45° flexion contracture, 2+ crepitus on passive motion, Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3 changes on weight-bearing X-ray
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and radiographic evidence, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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