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ICD-10 Coding for Hip Pain Unspecified(M25.559)

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

Also known as:

Unspecified Hip PainHip Pain NOS

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hip Pain Unspecified

M25.5Primary Range

Pain in joint

This range includes codes for pain in joints, including the hip, with specific codes for laterality and unspecified locations.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for unspecified hip pain

Essential facts and insights about Hip Pain Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for unspecified hip pain is M25.559, used when laterality is not documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hip pain unspecified

Pain in unspecified hip
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain in hip without clear lateralization

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of specific laterality in clinical notes

Applicable To

  • Diffuse hip pain without specified laterality

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Limited hip range of motion on exam
  • Negative X-ray/MRI for specific pathology
  • Documented exclusion of trauma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Overuse when laterality is known
  • Potential for reduced reimbursement if more specific codes are applicable

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies lack of laterality to justify use of unspecified code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other chronic pain

G89.29
Use for chronic pain lasting more than 3 months.

Differential Codes

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

Osteoarthritis, unspecified hip

M16.9
Use if imaging shows joint degeneration.

Trochanteric bursitis, unspecified hip

M70.60
Use if clinical tests indicate bursitis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hip Pain Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M25.559.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with chronic pain coding, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always document pain duration, Review chronic pain coding guidelines

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use M25.551 or M25.552 if laterality is known.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are overused.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes when possible and document reasons for unspecified 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 Hip Pain Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hip Pain Unspecified

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

Chronic hip pain evaluation

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Pain duration
  • Aggravating and alleviating factors
  • Physical exam findings

Example Documentation

Patient reports diffuse hip region pain without clear lateralization. Pain worsens with prolonged sitting and improves with NSAIDs.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hip pain. Advise PT.
Good Documentation Example
Diffuse anterior hip pain x3mo without lateralization. Negative FABER/Scour tests. Mild joint space narrowing on X-ray.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on pain characteristics and diagnostic findings.

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

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