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ICD-10 Coding for Knee Arthrofibrosis(M24.561, T84.82XA)

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

Also known as:

Post-TKA StiffnessKnee Joint Stiffness

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Knee Arthrofibrosis

M24.56Primary Range

Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified

Primary range for idiopathic or post-surgical knee stiffness.

Fibrosis due to internal orthopedic prosthetic devices, implants and grafts

Used for post-TKA arthrofibrosis indicating prosthetic complications.

Presence of artificial knee joint

Indicates the presence of a knee prosthesis, essential for post-TKA cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M24.561Stiffness of right knee, not elsewhere classifiedUse for idiopathic or post-surgical stiffness of the right knee without prosthetic complications.
  • ROM measurements showing flexion ≤90° and extension deficit ≥10°
  • Imaging confirming scar tissue or adhesions
T84.82XAFibrosis due to internal joint prosthesis, initial encounterUse for fibrosis complications directly related to knee prosthesis.
  • Imaging showing fibrotic bands or scar tissue around prosthesis
  • Temporal relationship to TKA

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 knee arthrofibrosis

Essential facts and insights about Knee Arthrofibrosis

The ICD-10 code for knee arthrofibrosis is M24.561 for the right knee and M24.562 for the left knee, used when stiffness is idiopathic or post-surgical.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for knee arthrofibrosis

Stiffness of right knee, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ROM measurements and imaging findings

Applicable To

  • Idiopathic knee stiffness
  • Post-surgical knee stiffness

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ROM measurements showing flexion ≤90° and extension deficit ≥10°
  • Imaging confirming scar tissue or adhesions

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing stiffness with pain, leading to incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies stiffness rather than pain.

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 to indicate the presence of a prosthesis in post-TKA cases.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in right knee

M25.561
Use when primary symptom is pain rather than stiffness.

Infection and inflammatory reaction due to internal joint prosthesis

T84.5-
Use when infection is present rather than fibrosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Knee Arthrofibrosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M24.561.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture of patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with CMS requirements., Financial: Loss of reimbursement due to incorrect DRG.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include Z96.651 for post-TKA cases.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M24.561 for stiffness and M25.561 for pain.

Impact

Failure to document prosthetic status can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure Z96.651 is included in all post-TKA cases.

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

Documentation Templates for Knee Arthrofibrosis

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

Post-TKA Arthrofibrosis

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • ROM measurements
  • Imaging findings
  • Temporal relationship to surgery

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 15° flexion contracture and 90° active flexion. MRI confirms suprapatellar scar band. Symptoms began 6 weeks post-TKA.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Knee stiffness after surgery.
Good Documentation Example
Limited active ROM: 20°–85° flexion. MRI shows infrapatellar scar contracture.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and imaging findings, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Knee Arthrofibrosis? Ask your questions below.

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