ICD-10 Coding for Patellar Tendonitis(M76.51, M76.52, M76.50)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Patellar Tendonitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Patellar Tendonitis
M76.5Primary Range
Patellar tendinitis
This range includes codes for patellar tendinitis with specification for laterality.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M76.51 | Patellar tendinitis, right knee | Use when the patient presents with symptoms localized to the right knee. |
|
| M76.52 | Patellar tendinitis, left knee | Use when the patient presents with symptoms localized to the left knee. |
|
| M76.50 | Patellar tendinitis, unspecified knee | Use only when laterality is not documented. |
|
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: ICD-10 code for patellar tendonitis
Essential facts and insights about Patellar Tendonitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for patellar tendonitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of load-related pain at the inferior pole of the patella.
Applicable To
- Right knee jumper's knee
Excludes
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (M22.2x1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Tenderness at inferior patellar pole
- Pain with jumping or squatting
- MRI showing tendon abnormalities
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding unspecified when laterality is known.
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
M76.52 - Patellar tendinitis, left knee
Use when the patient presents with symptoms localized to the left knee.
Applicable To
- Left knee jumper's knee
Excludes
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (M22.2x1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Tenderness at inferior patellar pole
- Pain with jumping or squatting
- MRI showing tendon abnormalities
Coding Notes
Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
M76.50 - Patellar tendinitis, unspecified knee
Use only when laterality is not documented.
Applicable To
- Unspecified knee jumper's knee
Excludes
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (M22.2x1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- General knee pain without specified laterality
Coding Notes
Avoid using unless absolutely necessary due to unspecified laterality.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Personal history of other musculoskeletal disorders
Z87.318Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
M22.2x1Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Patellar Tendonitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M76.51.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denial due to insufficient documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use templates to ensure all required elements are documented.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies right or left knee to use M76.51 or M76.52.
Impact
Failure to document laterality can lead to coding errors.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory fields in EHR for 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 Patellar Tendonitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Patellar Tendonitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Patellar Tendonitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic patellar tendinitis in an athlete
Specialty: Sports MedicineRequired Elements
- Location of pain
- Aggravating activities
- Functional impact
- Imaging findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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