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ICD-10 Coding for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome(M22.2X1, M22.2X2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Runner's KneeAnterior Knee Painpfps

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

M22.2XPrimary Range

Disorders of patella, unspecified

This range includes codes specific to patellofemoral pain syndrome with laterality.

Pain in knee

Used for general knee pain when specific criteria for PFPS are not met.

Muscle weakness (generalized)

Ancillary code for muscle weakness contributing to PFPS.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M22.2X1Disorders of patella, right kneeUse when PFPS is confirmed in the right knee with specific clinical findings.
  • Pain during squatting or stair climbing
  • Positive patellar grind test
M22.2X2Disorders of patella, left kneeUse when PFPS is confirmed in the left knee with specific clinical findings.
  • Pain during squatting or stair climbing
  • Positive patellar grind test

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 patellofemoral pain syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for patellofemoral pain syndrome is M22.2X, with specific codes for laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for patellofemoral pain syndrome

Disorders of patella, right knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of retropatellar pain exacerbated by specific activities.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of pain location and activity-related exacerbation.

Applicable To

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee

Excludes

  • Chondromalacia patellae (M22.4-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain during squatting or stair climbing
  • Positive patellar grind test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding general knee pain as PFPS without specific findings.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports PFPS-specific symptoms and excludes other conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Muscle weakness (generalized)

M62.81-
Use if hip muscle weakness is contributing to PFPS.

Differential Codes

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

Chondromalacia patellae

M22.4-
Use if imaging shows cartilage damage.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M22.2X1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms and document clinical findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Could lead to compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes PFPS-specific symptoms and tests.

Impact

Failure to specify laterality can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific knee affected.

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 Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Evaluation for PFPS

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Pain location and exacerbating activities
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with anterior knee pain exacerbated by stair climbing. Positive patellar grind test and normal MRI.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has knee pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports retropatellar pain during stair descent, positive patellar grind test.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and test results supporting PFPS.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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