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S83.282A
ICD-10-CM
Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear

Find information on Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, MRI findings, treatment options, and prognosis. Learn about meniscus tear symptoms, physical exam findings, and appropriate medical terminology for accurate healthcare records and billing. This resource provides guidance for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals dealing with lateral meniscus injuries.

Also known as

Lateral Meniscus Tear of Left Knee
Left Lateral Meniscus Injury

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Rip in the outer C-shaped cartilage of the left knee.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, popping, clicking, locking, limited range of motion.
  • Common Settings : Sports injuries, twisting motions, degenerative changes.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S83.282A Coding
S73.2

Tear of lateral meniscus of left knee

Covers isolated and combined tears of the left knee's lateral meniscus.

S73

Injury of meniscus

Includes tears and other injuries to knee menisci, unspecified side.

S70-S79

Injuries to the knee and lower leg

Encompasses various injuries to the knee and lower leg area.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the tear traumatic?

  • Yes

    Is it acute?

  • No

    Is it degenerative?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear
Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Degeneration
Left Knee Lateral Compartment Pain

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document mechanism of injury.
  • Laterality: Specify left knee.
  • Meniscus tear: Location (lateral).
  • Diagnostic method (e.g., MRI).
  • Severity/type of tear (e.g., bucket handle).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding left knee tear without specifying laterality can lead to incorrect reimbursement and data analysis. Use appropriate laterality codes.

  • Missing Acuity Specifier

    Failing to document acute, chronic, or other tear attributes impacts coding accuracy and clinical documentation integrity. Specify tear type.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Coding a suspected tear without confirmatory imaging or documentation creates compliance and coding risks. Code confirmed diagnoses only.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document tear type, location, and size using ICD-10 M23.2 and laterality codes for accurate billing.
  • Thorough physical exam with McMurrays and Thessaly tests crucial for accurate diagnosis coding.
  • MRI crucial, document findings and correlate with exam for compliant medical necessity justification.
  • Conservative treatment: PT, NSAIDs. Document treatment plan and patient response for improved CDI.
  • Surgical intervention: detail type, approach, and any complications for appropriate CPT coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Hx: Lateral knee pain, popping, catching, locking
  • PE: McMurray's, Thessaly, Joint line tenderness
  • Imaging: MRI knee (evaluate for meniscus tear)
  • Dx: Lateral meniscus tear (ICD-10: S83.211A, M23.211)
  • Consider: Orthopedic referral, NSAIDs, PT

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear reimbursement impacts coding accuracy, affecting hospital revenue cycle management and payer contract negotiations.
  • Accurate ICD-10 (S83.2) and CPT (e.g., 29881) coding maximizes meniscus tear procedure reimbursement and minimizes claim denials.
  • Quality metrics for meniscus tear repair (e.g., functional improvement, pain reduction) influence value-based payments and hospital rankings.
  • Timely and accurate documentation of meniscus tear diagnosis and treatment is crucial for optimal reimbursement and quality reporting.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code S83.211A for acute tear
  • Code S83.211D for chronic tear
  • Document mechanism of injury
  • Laterality is key: Left knee
  • Specify tear type if known

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of left knee pain, consistent with a suspected left knee lateral meniscus tear. Onset of symptoms occurred [Date of onset] following [Mechanism of injury, e.g., twisting injury while playing basketball].  Patient reports localized lateral knee pain exacerbated by weight-bearing activities, particularly with pivoting or squatting.  Symptoms include clicking, popping, catching, and occasional locking of the left knee joint.  Patient denies any numbness, tingling, or radiating pain. Physical examination reveals tenderness to palpation along the lateral joint line.  Positive McMurray's test and Thessaly test suggest lateral meniscus pathology.  Range of motion is slightly limited in flexion and extension compared to the contralateral knee.  No effusion or erythema noted.  A differential diagnosis includes lateral collateral ligament sprain, iliotibial band syndrome, and patellofemoral pain syndrome.  To confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the tear, an MRI of the left knee without contrast is ordered.  Initial treatment plan includes RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation), NSAIDs for pain and inflammation management, and physical therapy referral for strengthening and range of motion exercises.  Surgical intervention, such as a partial or total meniscectomy or meniscus repair, may be considered depending on MRI findings and patient response to conservative treatment.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Duration] to review MRI results and discuss further management.
Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation