Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Left Hip Arthritis(M16.12)

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

Also known as:

Left Hip OsteoarthritisUnilateral Primary Osteoarthritis of Left Hip

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Hip Arthritis

M16.0-M16.9Primary Range

Osteoarthritis of hip

This range includes codes for different types of osteoarthritis affecting the hip, including primary, post-traumatic, and secondary forms.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left hip arthritis

Essential facts and insights about Left Hip Arthritis

The ICD-10 code for left hip arthritis is M16.12, indicating unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left hip.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left hip arthritis

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left hip
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed osteoarthritis via imaging and clinical exam

coding Criteria

  • No history of trauma or dysplasia

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of the left hip

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of osteoarthritis (e.g., joint space narrowing, osteophytes)
  • Clinical findings such as pain and limited range of motion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding bilateral osteoarthritis as unilateral
  • Using without imaging confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes laterality and imaging confirmation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left hip

M25.551
Use when pain is the primary symptom without confirmed osteoarthritis.

Differential Codes

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

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left hip

M16.4
Use when osteoarthritis is secondary to a specific trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Hip Arthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M16.12.

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards, Financial: Denied claims due to incomplete documentation

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right in clinical notes, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to inaccurate severity coding, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records affecting treatment decisions

Mitigation Strategy

Use M16.0 for bilateral cases if confirmed; otherwise, code each side separately.

Impact

Coding osteoarthritis without imaging confirmation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all diagnoses are supported by imaging studies

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 Left Hip Arthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Hip Arthritis

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

Orthopedic Evaluation for Left Hip Pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history including onset and duration of symptoms
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

68F presents with left hip pain, worse with activity. X-ray shows joint space narrowing. Diagnosis: M16.12.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has left hip arthritis.
Good Documentation Example
Primary OA left hip: KL grade 3 on radiograph, limited IR (10°), NPRS 6/10.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging confirmation, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Hip Arthritis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more