Back to HomeBeta

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

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

Also known as:

Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left HipOA Left Hip

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Osteoarthritis of the Left Hip

M15-M19Primary Range

Osteoarthritis

This range includes all codes related to osteoarthritis, including primary and secondary forms.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for osteoarthritis left hip

Essential facts and insights about Osteoarthritis of the Left Hip

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for osteoarthritis left hip

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left hip
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Radiographic evidence and clinical symptoms consistent with primary OA

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'primary' and 'left hip'

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of the left hip

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing and osteophytes
  • Age >50 years
  • No history of trauma or dysplasia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as secondary osteoarthritis without evidence

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' and 'left hip' to avoid unspecified coding.

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 documented separately and needs to be addressed.

BMI ≥40

Z68.3x
Use if obesity is documented as exacerbating the osteoarthritis.

Differential Codes

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

Unilateral secondary osteoarthritis of hip, left hip, due to dysplasia

M16.32
Use when osteoarthritis is due to hip dysplasia.

Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left hip

M16.52
Use when osteoarthritis follows a traumatic event.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases audit risk., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for specific details., Educate providers on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of audits due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and type of osteoarthritis in documentation.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when laterality is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks to ensure specificity.

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 Osteoarthritis of the Left Hip, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Osteoarthritis of the Left Hip

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

Orthopedic Evaluation for Hip Pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • History of Present Illness
  • Physical Examination
  • Imaging Findings
  • Assessment and Plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic left hip pain. Exam reveals limited ROM and tenderness. X-ray shows joint space narrowing. Diagnosis: Primary osteoarthritis left hip.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hip arthritis.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has primary osteoarthritis of the left hip with joint space narrowing.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and location of osteoarthritis, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Osteoarthritis of the Left Hip? 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