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M25.861
ICD-10-CM
Right Knee Mucoid Degeneration

Find information on right knee mucoid degeneration including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes M23.211 and M23.212, medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for mucoid degeneration of the knee joint. This resource provides essential information for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of right knee mucoid degeneration.

Also known as

Mucoid Degeneration of the Right ACL
Right ACL Mucoid Degeneration

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Breakdown of knee joint fluid causing thickening and reduced lubrication.
  • Clinical Signs : Knee pain, stiffness, clicking or popping, reduced range of motion, occasional swelling.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinic, orthopedics, sports medicine, rheumatology, physical therapy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M25.861 Coding
M17.1

Other gonarthrosis

Covers other specified arthrosis of the knee joint.

M15-M19

Arthrosis

Encompasses various joint disorders, including degenerative changes.

M00-M99

Diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

Broad category including numerous musculoskeletal and connective tissue conditions.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the mucoid degeneration of the right knee primary?

  • Yes

    Is there cyst formation?

  • No

    Is it due to trauma?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Right Knee Mucoid Degeneration
Knee Meniscus Tear
Knee Osteoarthritis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Knee pain location, duration, character
  • Physical exam: ROM, tenderness, swelling
  • Imaging findings (X-ray/MRI) supporting mucoid degeneration
  • Differential diagnoses considered and ruled out
  • Treatment plan: conservative vs. surgical

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding lacks laterality (right or left), leading to claim denials and inaccurate data. Use M17.11 for right knee.

  • Unspecified Knee Joint

    Documentation lacks specific knee joint details. Specify affected compartment for accurate coding and reimbursement.

  • Conflicting Documentation

    Discrepancy between physician notes and coded diagnosis. CDI specialist review crucial for accurate code assignment.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document knee pain specifics, ROM, & activity limits for accurate ICD-10 coding (M23.2xx)
  • Use standardized terminology for mucoid degeneration (e.g., cystic degeneration, myxoid change) in CDI
  • Ensure prior authorizations for viscosupplementation injections meet payer criteria for compliance
  • Correlate imaging reports (MRI/ultrasound) with clinical findings for M79.60 diagnosis verification
  • Educate patients on conservative treatments (PT, NSAIDs) and document shared decision-making

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Confirm knee pain localized to right knee.
  • 2. Verify palpable effusion or bogginess on exam.
  • 3. Check MRI for cystic changes in right knee cartilage/menisci.
  • 4. R/O other diagnoses (e.g., meniscus tear, OA, RA).
  • 5. Document symptom duration, severity, and impact on function.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Right Knee Mucoid Degeneration: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10-CM M23.21: Accurate coding maximizes reimbursement for knee procedures.
  • Focus on precise documentation of degeneration severity for appropriate billing.
  • Tracking mucoid degeneration cases improves quality reporting and resource allocation.
  • Coding accuracy impacts hospital value-based purchasing and pay-for-performance programs.

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 M23.211, knee OA with mucinous cyst
  • Document aspiration if performed
  • Query physician for cyst location details
  • Consider M71.54 if prepatellar bursitis
  • Exclude M79.89 for other knee pain

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of right knee pain, consistent with symptoms of mucoid degeneration.  The patient reports intermittent aching and stiffness, occasionally exacerbated by activity.  On physical examination, there is palpable tenderness along the medial joint line and mild crepitus with range of motion.  No significant effusion or warmth is noted.  The patient denies any history of trauma or locking of the joint.  McMurray's test is negative.  Differential diagnosis includes osteoarthritis, meniscal tear, and patellofemoral pain syndrome.  Imaging studies, specifically a right knee MRI, were ordered to evaluate for internal derangement and confirm the diagnosis of mucoid degeneration, also known as cystic degeneration of the meniscus.  Preliminary assessment suggests a diagnosis of right knee mucoid degeneration.  Conservative management will be initiated, focusing on physical therapy for range of motion and strengthening exercises.  NSAIDs are prescribed for pain management.  The patient was educated on activity modification and the importance of adherence to the prescribed treatment plan.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in four weeks to assess response to treatment and discuss further management options if necessary, including potential viscosupplementation or corticosteroid injection.  ICD-10 code M23.211 will be used for right knee derangement, and CPT codes will be determined based on the specific physical therapy and injection procedures performed, if any.
Right Knee Mucoid Degeneration - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation