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ICD-10 Coding for Primary Osteoarthritis of the Left Knee(M17.12)

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

Also known as:

Degenerative Joint Disease Left KneeUnilateral Primary Osteoarthritis Left Knee

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Primary Osteoarthritis of the Left Knee

M15-M19Primary Range

Arthritis and arthrosis

This range includes codes for different types of arthritis, including primary osteoarthritis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for primary osteoarthritis left knee

Essential facts and insights about Primary Osteoarthritis of the Left Knee

The ICD-10 code for primary osteoarthritis of the left knee is M17.12, used when the condition is confirmed as primary and affects the left knee.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for primary osteoarthritis left knee

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • X-ray shows asymmetric joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'primary' and 'left knee'.

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of the left knee

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M17.32)
  • Secondary osteoarthritis (M17.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Presence of osteophytes
  • Absence of trauma or underlying conditions

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing primary with secondary osteoarthritis
  • Not specifying laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' and 'left knee' to avoid coding errors.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left knee

M25.562
Use when pain management is the primary focus of care.

Differential Codes

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

Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left knee

M17.32
Use when there is a history of trauma leading to osteoarthritis.

Secondary osteoarthritis

M17.5
Use when osteoarthritis is due to another condition, such as obesity.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Primary Osteoarthritis of the Left Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M17.12.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim rejections.

Mitigation Strategy

Review patient history for underlying conditions., Ensure imaging supports diagnosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states 'primary osteoarthritis of the left knee'.

Impact

Using M17.12 without confirming primary osteoarthritis.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training on documentation requirements.

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

Documentation Templates for Primary Osteoarthritis of the Left Knee

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

Orthopedic Evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

68F with 5-year history of progressive left knee pain worsening with weight-bearing. X-ray confirms asymmetric medial joint space narrowing (Grade 3 Kellgren-Lawrence) with osteophyte formation. No history of trauma or inflammatory arthritis. Diagnosis: Primary osteoarthritis left knee.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left knee arthritis
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis of the left knee confirmed by X-ray showing joint space narrowing and osteophytes.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and laterality of osteoarthritis, supported by imaging findings.

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

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