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ICD-10 Coding for Swelling of Right Knee(M25.461, S83.011A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Swelling of Right Knee. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Right Knee EffusionRight Knee Edema

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Swelling of Right Knee

M25.4Primary Range

Effusion of joint

This range includes codes for joint effusion, which is relevant for documenting swelling in the knee.

Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of knee

This range is relevant for traumatic causes of knee swelling.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M25.461Effusion, right kneeUse when swelling is present without a definitive underlying cause such as trauma or infection.
  • Clinical examination confirming effusion
  • Absence of trauma or infection indicators
S83.011ASprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounterUse when swelling is due to an acute traumatic event.
  • Mechanism of injury documented
  • Clinical examination confirming ligament involvement

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 swelling right knee

Essential facts and insights about Swelling of Right Knee

The ICD-10 code for swelling of the right knee is M25.461, used for joint effusion without trauma.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for swelling right knee

Effusion, right knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of knee effusion without trauma

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of infection indicators

Applicable To

  • Swelling of right knee

Excludes

  • Pain in right knee (M25.561)
  • Injury-related swelling (S83.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical examination confirming effusion
  • Absence of trauma or infection indicators

Code-Specific Risks

  • Undercoding if underlying cause is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and absence of trauma.

Ancillary Codes

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

Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified

M17.9
Use if imaging confirms degenerative changes.

Gout, right knee

M10.061
Use if uric acid levels are elevated and synovial fluid analysis confirms gout.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in right knee

M25.561
Use when pain is the primary symptom rather than swelling.

Effusion, right knee

M25.461
Use when swelling is not due to trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Swelling of Right Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M25.461.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning, Regulatory: Potential for audit issues, Financial: Risk of claim denial

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify 'right' or 'left' in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use S83.011A for traumatic swelling with appropriate 7th character.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to coding errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality.

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 Swelling of Right Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Swelling of Right Knee

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Swelling of Right Knee. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Differential diagnosis

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right knee swelling, no trauma. Effusion confirmed by ultrasound. Differential includes OA vs. inflammatory arthritis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right knee swollen.
Good Documentation Example
Right knee swelling with 20° flexion limitation, effusion confirmed by ultrasound. No history of trauma.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and excludes trauma, aiding accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Swelling of Right Knee? Ask your questions below.

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