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ICD-10 Coding for Knee Arthroscopy(M23.201)

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

Also known as:

Arthroscopic Knee SurgeryKnee Scope

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Knee Arthroscopy

M23-M24Primary Range

Internal derangement of knee

This range includes conditions often treated with knee arthroscopy, such as meniscal tears and ligament injuries.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for knee arthroscopy

Essential facts and insights about Knee Arthroscopy

ICD-10 codes for knee arthroscopy vary by procedure, such as M23.201 for medial meniscus derangement.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for knee arthroscopy

Derangement of medial meniscus due to old tear or injury, unspecified knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI shows chronic meniscal tear

coding Criteria

  • Differentiate from acute tear codes

Applicable To

  • Medial meniscus tear

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing displaced fragment or bucket-handle tear

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if acute tear is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies chronicity and imaging confirmation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of artificial knee joint, right knee

Z96.651
Use when documenting the presence of a knee prosthesis.

Differential Codes

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

Tear of meniscus, current injury

S83.2-
Use S83.2- for acute tears resulting from recent trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Knee Arthroscopy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M23.201.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in which knee was treated, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denial or delay

Mitigation Strategy

Always include RT or LT modifiers, Verify documentation before submission

Impact

Reimbursement: Denial of payment for diagnostic code, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of procedure performed

Mitigation Strategy

Only report the surgical code if a procedure is performed.

Impact

Improper use of G0289 without separate compartment documentation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation of separate compartments treated.

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

Documentation Templates for Knee Arthroscopy

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

Arthroscopic meniscectomy with chondroplasty

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Required Elements

  • Procedure performed
  • Findings
  • Technique
  • Complications

Example Documentation

Arthroscopic medial meniscectomy and lateral compartment chondroplasty performed. Medial meniscus tear debrided to stable rim. Lateral femoral condyle chondroplasty with microfracture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chondroplasty performed in medial and lateral compartments.
Good Documentation Example
Focal grade III chondral lesion on medial femoral condyle treated with mechanical debridement to stable rim. Separate 2cm lesion on lateral tibial plateau debrided to bleeding subchondral bone using microfracture technique.
Explanation
The good example specifies lesion details and treatment method, meeting documentation requirements.

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

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