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ICD-10 Coding for Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder(M19.011, M19.012)

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

Also known as:

Degenerative Joint Disease of the ShoulderShoulder OA

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

M19.01-M19.02Primary Range

Primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder

This range covers primary osteoarthritis affecting the shoulder, specifying laterality.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder

This range is used when osteoarthritis is due to previous trauma to the shoulder.

Secondary osteoarthritis of the shoulder

This range applies when osteoarthritis is secondary to another condition, such as a rotator cuff tear.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M19.011Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulderUse when primary osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the right shoulder without any underlying cause.
  • X-ray or MRI showing joint space narrowing
  • Presence of osteophytes
M19.012Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulderUse when primary osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the left shoulder without any underlying cause.
  • X-ray or MRI showing joint space narrowing
  • Presence of osteophytes

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: How do you code bilateral osteoarthritis of the shoulder?

Essential facts and insights about Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

To code bilateral osteoarthritis of the shoulder, use two separate codes: M19.011 for the right shoulder and M19.012 for the left shoulder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for osteoarthritis shoulder

Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed diagnosis of primary OA in the right shoulder

Applicable To

  • Degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M19.111)
  • Secondary osteoarthritis (M19.211)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or MRI showing joint space narrowing
  • Presence of osteophytes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified if laterality is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right shoulder

M25.511
Use to document associated shoulder pain.

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use to document associated shoulder pain.

Differential Codes

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

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right shoulder

M19.111
Use when OA is due to previous trauma.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left shoulder

M19.112
Use when OA is due to previous trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.011.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on the importance of documenting laterality., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use two separate codes for each shoulder: M19.011 and M19.012.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all clinical documentation includes laterality.

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

Documentation Templates for Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

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

Primary Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

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

Example Documentation

72yo F with 8/10 right shoulder pain x 9 months, worsening with overhead activities. Failed NSAIDs × 3mo, PT × 12 visits, and ultrasound-guided injection × 2.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder arthritis.
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis of the right shoulder with 6-month history of pain unresponsive to 12 weeks of physical therapy and corticosteroid injection.
Explanation
The good example provides specific laterality, type of OA, and treatment history, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder? Ask your questions below.

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