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M17.9
ICD-10-CM
Knee Joint Osteoarthritis

Find information on Knee Joint Osteoarthritis diagnosis including relevant clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare resources. Learn about ICD-10 codes for osteoarthritis of knee, knee osteoarthritis symptoms, osteoarthritis diagnosis criteria, and radiological findings in knee osteoarthritis. Explore resources for proper medical coding and billing for osteoarthritis treatment and management. This resource provides valuable information for healthcare professionals involved in documenting and coding knee osteoarthritis.

Also known as

Degenerative Joint Disease of the Knee
Knee OA

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Degenerative joint disease causing knee pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, creaking, limited range of motion, stiffness, and tenderness.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, orthopedics, rheumatology, physical therapy, pain management.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M17.9 Coding
M17

Gonarthrosis

Osteoarthritis of knee joint.

M15-M19

Arthroses

Joint diseases primarily involving cartilage degeneration.

M00-M99

Diseases of musculoskeletal system

Encompasses various disorders affecting bones, joints, and connective tissue.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the osteoarthritis primary (idiopathic)?

  • Yes

    Unilateral or bilateral?

  • No

    Post-traumatic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Knee Osteoarthritis
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Knee Meniscus Tear

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Knee osteoarthritis diagnosis documented
  • Laterality (left, right, bilateral) specified
  • Radiographic evidence supporting diagnosis
  • Description of pain characteristics and location
  • Impact on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) noted

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding

    Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, bilateral) for knee osteoarthritis impacts reimbursement and data accuracy. Relevant ICD-10 codes: M17.

  • Specificity of Diagnosis

    Coding to the highest level of specificity is crucial for knee osteoarthritis. Documenting primary vs secondary, post-traumatic, and laterality is essential for proper code assignment.

  • Osteoarthritis vs. Normal Aging

    Differentiating age-related degeneration from true osteoarthritis is crucial. Clinical documentation must support the diagnosis of osteoarthritis, not just radiographic findings.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (M17.-) for OA type and laterality
  • Detailed documentation of pain, stiffness, ROM for CDI
  • Consistent use of OARSI criteria for diagnosis and staging
  • Track OA progression with regular imaging & functional assessments
  • Ensure compliance with payer guidelines for treatment & billing

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify knee pain duration gt 3 months ICD10 M17
  • 2. Confirm morning stiffness lt 30 min SNOMED CT 28048004
  • 3. Check crepitus on exam and age gt 50 LOINC 72139-5
  • 4. Radiographic evidence of osteophytes ICD10 M17.1

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Knee Joint Osteoarthritis reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM (M17.-) and CPT coding for procedures like arthrocentesis (20610) or injections (20611). Proper documentation supports optimal payment.
  • Coding quality directly impacts osteoarthritis reimbursements. Incorrect laterality or unspecified codes can lead to denials, impacting revenue cycle management.
  • Hospital reporting on osteoarthritis prevalence, treatment outcomes, and resource utilization relies on precise coding. This data informs quality improvement initiatives and value-based care.
  • Accurate osteoarthritis coding facilitates proper severity and comorbidity capture (e.g., obesity, rheumatoid arthritis) influencing DRG assignment and hospital reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code primary OA M17
  • Specify laterality: right, left, bilateral
  • Document symptom severity
  • Add any secondary OA M17
  • If post-traumatic: M17.1

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with knee osteoarthritis.  Symptoms include chronic knee pain, stiffness, crepitus, and limited range of motion.  Onset of symptoms was gradual and has progressed over the past [number] monthsyears.  Pain is exacerbated by weight-bearing activities and relieved by rest.  Patient reports morning stiffness lasting approximately [duration].  Physical examination reveals tenderness to palpation along the joint line, bony swelling, and palpable crepitus with passive range of motion.  There is no evidence of effusion or instability.  McMurray's test is negative.  Radiographic imaging of the affected knee demonstrates joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and subchondral sclerosis, consistent with the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis.  Differential diagnoses considered included rheumatoid arthritis, meniscus tear, and ligamentous injury.  Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, the diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis of the knee, Kellgren-Lawrence grade [grade], is confirmed.  Treatment plan includes conservative management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy focusing on range of motion and strengthening exercises, and weight management.  Patient education provided on joint protection strategies and activity modification.  Follow-up scheduled in [duration] to assess response to treatment and discuss further management options including intra-articular injections or referral to orthopedics for surgical intervention if indicated.  ICD-10 code M17.1 assigned.
Knee Joint Osteoarthritis - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation