ICD-10 Coding for Right Knee Conditions(M17.11, S83.251A)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Knee Conditions. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Right Knee Conditions
M17.0-M17.9Primary Range
Osteoarthritis of knee
This range covers primary and post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee, including laterality.
Injuries to the knee and lower leg
This range includes acute injuries to the knee, such as meniscal tears and ligament injuries.
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 for primary osteoarthritis of the right knee confirmed by imaging. |
|
| S83.251A | Bucket-handle tear of lateral meniscus, current injury, right knee, initial encounter | Use for acute meniscal tears confirmed by MRI. |
|
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 osteoarthritis
Essential facts and insights about Right Knee Conditions
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right knee
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed by X-ray findings
documentation Criteria
- Specify laterality and primary nature
Applicable To
- Primary osteoarthritis of right knee
Excludes
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M17.31)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- X-ray showing joint space narrowing
- Osteophyte formation
- Subchondral sclerosis
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect laterality documentation
- Missing imaging confirmation
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies primary vs. post-traumatic origin.
S83.251A - Bucket-handle tear of lateral meniscus, current injury, right knee, initial encounter
Use for acute meniscal tears confirmed by MRI.
Applicable To
- Acute meniscal tear
Excludes
- Chronic meniscal tear (M23.31)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing bucket-handle tear
Coding Notes
Ensure encounter type is correctly documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Presence of right artificial knee joint
Z96.651Differential 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 Conditions 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 inaccurate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding regulations., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality and encounter type.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify 'right' or 'left' in documentation.
Impact
Failure to document laterality can lead to audit flags.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement checklist for laterality in documentation.
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 Conditions, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Right Knee Conditions
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Right Knee Conditions. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic right knee pain with osteoarthritis
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Onset and duration of pain
- Imaging results
- Physical exam findings
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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