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

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

Also known as:

Osteoarthritis of the left hipDegenerative joint disease of the left hipleft hip oa

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Hip Osteoarthritis

M16.0-M16.9Primary Range

Osteoarthritis of hip

This range includes all codes related to osteoarthritis of the hip, including primary, secondary, and post-traumatic forms.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left hip osteoarthritis

Essential facts and insights about Left Hip Osteoarthritis

The ICD-10 code for unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left hip is M16.12, used for idiopathic cases confirmed by imaging.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left hip osteoarthritis

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left hip
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Radiographic evidence of osteophytes and joint space narrowing in the left hip.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of left hip and absence of secondary causes.

Applicable To

  • Idiopathic degeneration of the left hip

Excludes

  • Secondary osteoarthritis (M16.7)
  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M16.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Pain localized to the left hip
  • Absence of trauma or developmental hip disorders

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified osteoarthritis (M16.9) when laterality is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and confirms primary osteoarthritis through imaging.

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 management is the primary focus of treatment.

Presence of left hip joint prosthesis

Z96.641
Use for encounters following total hip arthroplasty.

Differential Codes

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

Unilateral osteoarthritis from hip dysplasia

M16.3
Use when osteoarthritis is secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include laterality in documentation., Use templates that prompt for specific details.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Decreases data quality and accuracy in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and type of osteoarthritis when documented.

Impact

Audits may focus on whether the correct laterality and type of osteoarthritis are coded.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation and use of specific codes.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Hip Osteoarthritis

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

Orthopedic evaluation of left hip osteoarthritis

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

SUBJECTIVE: 68F c/o left groin pain x9mo, worse with stair climbing. No trauma history. 45min morning stiffness. OBJECTIVE: Gait: Antalgic favoring left. ROM: Left hip IR 15° (painful), flexion 95°. Imaging: Left hip KL Grade 3 (right KL 1). ASSESSMENT: Primary OA left hip (M16.12). PLAN: THA consultation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hip arthritis. Will consider replacement.
Good Documentation Example
Primary OA of left hip confirmed by: 45-minute morning stiffness, Painful internal rotation (15° vs 35° on right), X-ray: Superior joint space narrowing (2mm vs 4mm contralateral), subchondral cysts.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging results that support the diagnosis and coding.

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

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