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M15.0
ICD-10-CM
Primary Osteoarthritis Involving Multiple Joints

Find information on primary osteoarthritis involving multiple joints, including clinical documentation tips, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10-CM M15), and healthcare resources for diagnosis and management. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and best practices for accurate coding and documentation of generalized osteoarthritis in multiple joint locations. This resource supports healthcare professionals in proper clinical identification and coding of multi-joint osteoarthritis.

Also known as

Generalized Osteoarthritis
Polyosteoarthritis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Degenerative joint disease causing cartilage breakdown and bone spurs.
  • Clinical Signs : Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion, creaking.
  • Common Settings : Hips, knees, hands, spine. Treated in outpatient clinics, orthopedics, physical therapy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M15.0 Coding
M15-M19

Osteoarthritis

Covers various forms of osteoarthritis, including primary and secondary.

M00-M25

Arthritides

Includes different joint disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

M19

Other osteoarthritis

Specifies osteoarthritis not classified elsewhere, including primary involving multiple sites.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is osteoarthritis primary (not secondary)?

  • Yes

    Multiple joints involved?

  • No

    Code the underlying condition causing the osteoarthritis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Osteoarthritis (multiple joints)
Osteoarthritis (localized)
Post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document laterality: left, right, or bilateral for each joint
  • Specify affected joints using medical terminology
  • Note symptom duration and severity for each joint
  • Document radiological findings confirming osteoarthritis
  • Exclude other diagnoses like rheumatoid arthritis

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code M15.0 for primary OA, multiple sites. Verify laterality.
  • Document symptom onset, severity, and functional impact for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Use clinical terms like 'osteophyte,' 'joint space narrowing' for precise CDI.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation lacks specificity for OA diagnosis coding.
  • Regularly audit charts for OA coding compliance and CDI best practices.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Age >45 AND joint pain present
  • 2. Morning stiffness <30 minutes
  • 3. Crepitus on exam AND bony enlargement
  • 4. Radiographic evidence of OA in multiple joints
  • 5. Exclude other causes of joint pain (RA, gout)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary: Primary Osteoarthritis Involving Multiple Joints
  • Keywords: ICD-10-CM M15, Osteoarthritis, Multiple Joints, Medical Billing, Coding Accuracy, Hospital Reporting, Reimbursement, Quality Metrics, Value-Based Care
  • Impact 1: Accurate M15 coding maximizes reimbursement for osteoarthritis care.
  • Impact 2: Proper coding impacts quality metrics tied to osteoarthritis management.
  • Impact 3: Complete documentation supports appropriate severity level coding for optimal 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 M15 for primary OA
  • Specify joint sites, use laterality
  • Document symptom duration, severity
  • Add 715.X for joint damage if applicable
  • Consider activity limitations, code IADL/ADL

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with chronic joint pain consistent with a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis involving multiple joints.  Symptoms reported include pain, stiffness, crepitus, and reduced range of motion affecting the bilateral knees, hands (specifically the distal interphalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints), and hips.  Onset of symptoms has been gradual over several years, with progressive worsening impacting activities of daily living.  Patient denies any history of trauma, infection, or inflammatory arthritis.  Physical examination reveals bony enlargement of affected joints, tenderness to palpation, and limited mobility.  Radiographic imaging confirms the presence of osteophytes, joint space narrowing, and subchondral sclerosis, consistent with osteoarthritis.  Laboratory tests, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, are within normal limits, ruling out inflammatory arthropathies.  Assessment: Primary osteoarthritis involving multiple joints (ICD-10-CM code M15.0).  Plan:  Conservative management including regular exercise, weight management counseling, physical therapy focused on strengthening and range of motion improvement, and over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen for pain management.  Patient education regarding osteoarthritis management, joint protection strategies, and assistive devices will be provided.  Follow-up scheduled in three months to assess symptom progression and treatment efficacy.  Consider intra-articular corticosteroid injections or referral to orthopedics for surgical intervention if conservative measures fail to provide adequate symptom relief.