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ICD-10 Coding for Total Knee Replacement, Left(Z96.652, M17.12)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Total Knee Replacement, Left. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Total Knee ArthroplastyLeft Knee Joint Replacement

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Total Knee Replacement, Left

Z96.6Primary Range

Presence of orthopedic joint implants

This range includes codes for the presence of artificial joints, specifically for the left knee replacement.

Osteoarthritis of knee

This range includes codes for osteoarthritis, which is a common indication for knee replacement surgery.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z96.652Presence of left artificial knee jointUse for patients with a history of left knee replacement beyond the global period.
  • Documented history of left knee replacement
  • Radiographic evidence of prosthesis
M17.12Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left kneeUse to document the underlying condition leading to knee replacement.
  • Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis
  • Clinical symptoms such as pain and limited range of motion

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 left total knee replacement

Essential facts and insights about Total Knee Replacement, Left

The ICD-10 code for the presence of a left artificial knee joint is Z96.652, used for follow-up visits beyond the global period.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for total knee replacement left

Presence of left artificial knee joint
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has a documented history of left knee replacement.

coding Criteria

  • Use Z96.652 for follow-up visits beyond the global period.

Applicable To

  • Status post left total knee arthroplasty

Excludes

  • Aftercare following joint replacement (Z47.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented history of left knee replacement
  • Radiographic evidence of prosthesis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use for immediate post-op care

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the left knee and the status of the joint replacement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left knee

M17.12
Use to indicate the underlying condition necessitating the knee replacement.

Differential Codes

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

Aftercare following joint replacement surgery

Z47.1
Use Z47.1 for encounters within the global period post-surgery.

Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee

M17.0
Use M17.0 for bilateral knee involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Total Knee Replacement, Left to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z96.652.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of evidence for severity of osteoarthritis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure radiographic findings are documented in the patient's record.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z96.652 for visits beyond the 90-day global period.

Impact

Incorrect coding for visits within the global period.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify surgery dates and use appropriate codes.

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 Total Knee Replacement, Left, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Total Knee Replacement, Left

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Total Knee Replacement, Left. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Pre-operative evaluation for left TKA

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history of knee pain
  • Failed conservative treatments
  • Radiographic findings

Example Documentation

72yo female with chronic left knee pain, failed NSAIDs and PT, KL Grade 4 OA on X-ray.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient needs TKA.
Good Documentation Example
Patient meets criteria for LTKR: KL Grade 4 OA, failed 6 months conservative care.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical criteria and failed treatments, supporting medical necessity.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Total Knee Replacement, Left? Ask your questions below.

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