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M19.012
ICD-10-CM
Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease

Find information on left shoulder mild degenerative joint disease including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (M19.012), medical coding, diagnosis, treatment, and osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Learn about symptoms, pain management, and resources for healthcare professionals related to left shoulder degenerative joint disease.

Also known as

Left Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Left Shoulder DJD

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Gradual wear and tear of the left shoulder joint cartilage, causing mild pain and stiffness.
  • Clinical Signs : Limited shoulder movement, pain with activity, stiffness, occasional clicking or grinding.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, orthopedics, physical therapy, pain management clinics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M19.012 Coding
M19.0

Primary OA, shoulder

Degenerative joint disease of the shoulder, not elsewhere classified.

M15-M19

Arthrosis

Joint degeneration including osteoarthritis and related disorders.

M00-M99

Diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

Encompasses various disorders affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the DJD primary (not due to trauma)?

  • Yes

    Acromioclavicular joint?

  • No

    Post-traumatic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Shoulder Mild DJD
Left Shoulder Moderate DJD
Left Shoulder AC Joint OA

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left shoulder pain assessment (location, quality, severity)
  • Limited ROM documented (abduction, flexion, rotation)
  • Palpation findings (tenderness, crepitus)
  • Radiographic evidence of mild DJD (osteophytes)
  • Medical coding: M19.012 (ICD-10-CM)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding lacks specificity for left shoulder, potentially leading to incorrect reimbursement or data analysis. Medical coding, CDI, healthcare compliance, laterality.

  • Missing Severity Code

    Mild severity not accurately coded, impacting quality reporting and resource allocation. Medical coding, ICD-10, severity, healthcare compliance.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Diagnosis lacks supporting clinical documentation, posing compliance risk for audits. Medical coding, CDI, documentation, healthcare compliance, audit risk.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 M19.011, optimize CDI for specificity.
  • Regular, low-impact exercise; PT for ROM, strength.
  • Weight management reduces shoulder strain.
  • NSAIDs, heat/cold therapy per MD guidance. Document.
  • Compliance: Track pain, function, treatment response.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify left shoulder pain and/or stiffness
  • Confirm reduced ROM on exam consistent with DJD
  • Review imaging (X-ray) for left shoulder osteophytes/joint space narrowing
  • Exclude other left shoulder pathologies (rotator cuff tear, adhesive capsulitis)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • ICD-10 M19.012 Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease impacts reimbursement through accurate coding for optimal payment.
  • Coding accuracy for M19.012 directly affects quality metrics reporting on osteoarthritis severity and prevalence.
  • Proper M19.012 coding impacts hospital reporting data on musculoskeletal disease burden and resource allocation.
  • Accurate diagnosis coding improves quality measures related to pain management and functional outcomes assessment.

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 M19.012 left shoulder
  • Mild DJD, use ICD-10
  • Document symptom details
  • Laterality crucial for claims
  • Consider 718.0 for ROM

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of intermittent left shoulder pain, consistent with mild degenerative joint disease (DJD).  Onset of symptoms was gradual, reported approximately six months ago, and is characterized by aching and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.  Pain is exacerbated by overhead activities and lifting, and occasionally disturbs sleep.  Patient denies any specific injury or trauma to the left shoulder.  Physical examination reveals mild tenderness to palpation over the left glenohumeral joint, with crepitus noted on active and passive range of motion.  Strength is 5/5 throughout the left upper extremity.  No significant swelling or erythema is present.  Rotator cuff impingement tests are negative.  Radiographic imaging of the left shoulder demonstrates mild osteophyte formation and joint space narrowing, consistent with the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.  Differential diagnoses considered include rotator cuff tendinitis, adhesive capsulitis, and cervical radiculopathy.  Assessment: Left shoulder mild degenerative joint disease (ICD-10: M19.012).  Plan:  Conservative management is recommended, including over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen for pain relief, and a home exercise program focusing on range of motion and strengthening of the shoulder girdle musculature.  Patient education provided regarding activity modification and proper body mechanics.  Follow-up scheduled in six weeks to assess response to treatment.  Referral to physical therapy will be considered if symptoms do not improve with conservative measures.
Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation