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ICD-10 Coding for Shoulder Osteoarthritis(M19.011, M19.012)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Shoulder Osteoarthritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Degenerative Joint Disease of the ShoulderShoulder OA

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Shoulder Osteoarthritis

M19.01-M19.12Primary Range

Primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the shoulder

This range covers the primary and secondary osteoarthritis codes for the shoulder, specifying laterality.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M19.011Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulderUse when primary OA is confirmed in the right shoulder without prior trauma.
  • X-ray showing joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation
M19.012Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulderUse when primary OA is confirmed in the left shoulder without prior trauma.
  • X-ray showing joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation

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 bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis

Essential facts and insights about Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Use M19.011 for right shoulder and M19.012 for left shoulder osteoarthritis. No bilateral code exists.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for shoulder osteoarthritis

Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed primary OA with imaging

Applicable To

  • Degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M19.111)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray showing joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes if laterality is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right shoulder

M25.511
Use if pain is documented but OA is not confirmed.

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use if pain is documented but OA is not confirmed.

Differential Codes

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

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right shoulder

M19.111
Use if there is a history of trauma or surgery leading to OA.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left shoulder

M19.112
Use if there is a history of trauma or surgery leading to OA.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Shoulder Osteoarthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.011.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging results are included in the patient's record.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting clinical decision-making.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific side affected (right or left).

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality and type of OA.

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 Shoulder Osteoarthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Shoulder Osteoarthritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic evaluation for shoulder pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic right shoulder pain. X-ray shows joint space narrowing and osteophytes. Diagnosis: Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder (M19.011).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has shoulder pain. OA suspected.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports chronic right shoulder pain. X-ray reveals joint space narrowing. Diagnosis: Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder (M19.011).
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and confirms diagnosis with imaging.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Shoulder Osteoarthritis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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