ICD-10 Coding for Septic Arthritis of the Right Knee(M00.861, M00.062)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Septic Arthritis of the Right Knee. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Septic Arthritis of the Right Knee
M00.0-M00.9Primary Range
Pyogenic arthritis
This range includes codes for septic arthritis, specifying the causative organism and joint affected.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M00.861 | Arthritis due to other bacteria, right knee | Use when septic arthritis is confirmed in the right knee and caused by bacteria other than staphylococci or streptococci. |
|
| M00.062 | Staphylococcal arthritis, right knee | Use when septic arthritis is confirmed in the right knee and caused by Staphylococcus aureus. |
|
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 septic arthritis right knee
Essential facts and insights about Septic Arthritis of the Right Knee
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for septic arthritis right knee
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of bacterial infection in synovial fluid analysis
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of 'septic arthritis' and organism in medical records
Applicable To
- E. coli arthritis
- Pseudomonas arthritis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Synovial fluid culture positive for non-staphylococcal, non-streptococcal bacteria
- Synovial WBC >50,000/μL, PMNs >75%
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if organism is not specified
- Potential under-coding if sepsis is present but not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the causative organism and laterality.
M00.062 - Staphylococcal arthritis, right knee
Use when septic arthritis is confirmed in the right knee and caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Applicable To
- Staphylococcus aureus arthritis
Excludes
- Arthritis due to other bacteria (M00.861)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Synovial fluid culture positive for Staphylococcus aureus
- Gram-positive cocci in clusters on Gram stain
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes organism identification and laterality.
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.
Staphylococcal arthritis, right knee
M00.062Other streptococcal arthritis, right knee
M00261Arthritis due to other bacteria, right knee
M00.861Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Septic Arthritis of the Right Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M00.861.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate antibiotic therapy, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab results are reviewed and documented, Use queries to clarify unspecified infections
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies the organism and use the corresponding specific code.
Impact
Risk of audits if organism is not specified in documentation
Mitigation Strategy
Implement regular training for clinicians 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 Septic Arthritis of the Right Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Septic Arthritis of the Right Knee
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Septic Arthritis of the Right Knee. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Native joint with confirmed organism
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Synovial fluid analysis results
- Definitive diagnosis with organism
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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