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ICD-10 Coding for Primary Osteoarthritis of the Right Knee(M17.11)

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

Also known as:

Unilateral Primary Osteoarthritis Right KneeDegenerative Joint Disease Right Knee

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Primary Osteoarthritis of the Right Knee

M15-M19Primary Range

Osteoarthritis

This range includes all types of osteoarthritis, with M17.11 specifically for unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the right knee.

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

Essential facts and insights about Primary Osteoarthritis of the Right Knee

The ICD-10 code for primary osteoarthritis of the right knee is M17.11, used when documentation confirms primary osteoarthritis in the right knee without bilateral involvement.

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

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • X-ray findings of osteoarthritis in the right knee

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'primary osteoarthritis' and 'right knee'

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of the right knee

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M17.31)
  • Other secondary osteoarthritis (M17.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray showing joint space narrowing, osteophytes, or subchondral sclerosis
  • Clinical documentation specifying 'primary' and 'right knee'

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes like M17.10 when laterality is known.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' and 'right knee' to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Right knee pain

M25.561
Use when there is persistent pain interfering with activities of daily living.

Effusion of right knee

M25.461
Use when swelling or fluid is confirmed by imaging or physical exam.

Differential Codes

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

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right knee

M17.31
Use if there is a history of trauma preceding the osteoarthritis.

Other unilateral secondary osteoarthritis, right knee

M17.5
Use if secondary causes like obesity are documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Primary Osteoarthritis of the Right Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M17.11.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect diagnosis coding., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation specificity., Use templates that prompt for necessary details.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced payments., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the laterality and type of osteoarthritis.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes when laterality is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular audits and provider education.

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

Documentation Templates for Primary Osteoarthritis of the Right Knee

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

Chronic right knee pain due to osteoarthritis

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient reports chronic right knee pain.
  • Objective: X-ray findings, ROM, and physical exam details.
  • Assessment: Diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis, right knee.
  • Plan: Treatment plan including medications and physical therapy.

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 'Right knee pain worsening over 6 months, worse with stairs. No trauma history.' **Objective**: Tenderness: Medial joint line, ROM: 0-110°, Crepitus: Present on flexion, Imaging: X-ray shows medial joint space narrowing + osteophytes (KL Grade 3) **Assessment**: Primary osteoarthritis, right knee (M17.11) **Plan**: PT referral, NSAIDs, weight management

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Osteoarthritis, right knee
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis, right knee with morning stiffness >30 mins and crepitus on passive motion
Explanation
The good example specifies 'primary' and includes clinical findings, improving specificity and compliance.

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

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