ICD-10 Coding for Right Knee Injury(S83.251A, S83.511A)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Knee Injury. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Right Knee Injury
S80-S89Primary Range
Injuries to the knee and lower leg
This range includes all acute traumatic injuries to the knee, such as sprains, tears, and fractures.
Internal derangement of knee
This range covers chronic conditions and degenerative changes in the knee, often used when no acute injury is present.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S83.251A | Bucket-handle tear of lateral meniscus, current injury, right knee, initial encounter | Use for acute bucket-handle tears confirmed by imaging or surgery. |
|
| S83.511A | Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounter | Use for acute ACL sprains confirmed by clinical tests or imaging. |
|
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 injury
Essential facts and insights about Right Knee Injury
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right knee injury
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- MRI shows acute meniscal tear
documentation Criteria
- Documentation includes mechanism of injury and specific tear type
Applicable To
- Acute bucket-handle tear of lateral meniscus
Excludes
- Chronic meniscus tear (M23.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing displaced meniscal fragment
- Operative findings confirming tear
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-coding if not specifying type of tear
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the type and location of the meniscal tear.
S83.511A - Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounter
Use for acute ACL sprains confirmed by clinical tests or imaging.
Applicable To
- Acute ACL sprain
Excludes
- Chronic ACL insufficiency (M23.5)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive Lachman's test
- Arthroscopic confirmation of ACL tear
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes specific tests performed and results.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Knee Injury to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.251A.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate clinical understanding of the injury., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to incomplete documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates, Include detailed patient history
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for claim denial or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality and inaccurate clinical records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the most specific code available for the condition.
Impact
Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation supports the most specific code available.
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 Injury, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Right Knee Injury
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Right Knee Injury. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Orthopedic Progress Note Post-Op
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Incision status
- Range of motion
- Effusion presence
- Weight-bearing status
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Knee Injury? Ask your questions below.