Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Torn Meniscus Right Knee(S83.221A, S83.251A)

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

Also known as:

Meniscal Tear Right KneeRight Knee Meniscus Tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Torn Meniscus Right Knee

S83.2Primary Range

Tear of meniscus, current injury

This range covers acute traumatic tears of the meniscus in the knee, including specific types and laterality.

Derangement of meniscus due to old tear

This range is used for chronic or degenerative meniscal tears without recent trauma.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S83.221ATear of medial meniscus, current injury, right knee, initial encounterUse for initial encounters of acute traumatic tears of the medial meniscus in the right knee.
  • MRI confirmation of medial meniscus tear
  • Documented traumatic event
S83.251ABucket-handle tear of lateral meniscus, current injury, right knee, initial encounterUse for initial encounters of acute bucket-handle tears of the lateral meniscus in the right knee.
  • MRI confirmation of bucket-handle tear
  • Documented traumatic event

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 torn meniscus right knee

Essential facts and insights about Torn Meniscus Right Knee

The ICD-10 code for an acute traumatic tear of the medial meniscus in the right knee is S83.221A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for torn meniscus right knee

Tear of medial meniscus, current injury, right knee, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI shows medial meniscus tear with traumatic history

documentation Criteria

  • Documented initial encounter for traumatic tear

Applicable To

  • Acute traumatic tear of medial meniscus

Excludes

  • Chronic meniscal tear (M23.2-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI confirmation of medial meniscus tear
  • Documented traumatic event

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality and encounter type are documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of tear and encounter type.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retained foreign body

Z18.81
Use if there is a retained foreign body in the knee.

Differential Codes

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

Derangement of medial meniscus due to old tear, right knee

M23.201
Use when the tear is chronic or degenerative without recent trauma.

Chronic instability of knee, right knee

M23.361
Use when instability is due to chronic conditions without recent trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Torn Meniscus Right Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.221A.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate tracking of patient care progress., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include encounter type in documentation, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality and type of tear to use specific codes.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks to ensure specificity.

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 Torn Meniscus Right Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Torn Meniscus Right Knee

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

Acute traumatic meniscus tear

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** 42yo M presents with R knee locking x2 weeks following tennis injury. Reports audible 'pop' during lateral pivot. **Objective:** - McMurray's test + with medial joint line pain - Limited extension (0-110° ROM) - Effusion present **Imaging:** R knee MRI (3/28/25) shows displaced bucket-handle tear medial meniscus with fragment in intercondylar notch (Series 5, Image 12) **Assessment:** Acute traumatic bucket-handle tear, medial meniscus, right knee (S83.221A) **Plan:** Arthroscopic meniscectomy scheduled 4/5/25

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right knee pain, meniscus torn
Good Documentation Example
Acute vertical longitudinal tear posterior horn medial meniscus, right knee, sustained during soccer match (initial encounter)
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the tear type, location, and encounter type, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more