ICD-10 Coding for Right Knee Arthritis(M17.11, M17.31)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Knee Arthritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Right Knee Arthritis
M17.0-M17.9Primary Range
Osteoarthritis of knee
This range includes codes for different types of knee osteoarthritis, including primary, secondary, and post-traumatic forms.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M17.11 | Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee | Use when the patient has primary osteoarthritis without a history of trauma. |
|
| M17.31 | Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right knee | Use when osteoarthritis follows a documented knee injury. |
|
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 right knee arthritis
Essential facts and insights about Right Knee Arthritis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right knee arthritis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- No history of knee trauma
documentation Criteria
- X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis
Applicable To
- Degenerative joint disease of right knee
Excludes
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M17.31)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Age >50
- No history of trauma
- X-ray showing joint space narrowing
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if trauma history is present
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' to avoid confusion with post-traumatic codes.
M17.31 - Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right knee
Use when osteoarthritis follows a documented knee injury.
Applicable To
- Post-traumatic degenerative joint disease of right knee
Excludes
- Primary osteoarthritis (M17.11)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of knee trauma
- MRI showing chondral defect
Coding Notes
Ensure trauma history is clearly documented to justify use.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Knee Arthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M17.11.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues., Financial: Claims may be denied or delayed.
Mitigation Strategy
Review patient history thoroughly, Ensure trauma history is documented if applicable
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced payments., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality in documentation and coding.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when laterality is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement checks to ensure laterality is always specified.
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 Right Knee Arthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Right Knee Arthritis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Right Knee Arthritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic right knee pain evaluation
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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