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S83.209A
ICD-10-CM
Torn Meniscus

Find information on torn meniscus diagnosis, including relevant healthcare, clinical documentation, and medical coding terms. Learn about meniscus tear symptoms, diagnostic criteria, ICD-10 codes for meniscus tear, meniscus tear treatment, and documentation best practices for accurate medical coding and billing. This resource provides comprehensive information for healthcare professionals on accurately diagnosing and documenting a torn meniscus injury.

Also known as

Meniscal Tear
Knee Cartilage Tear

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A tear in the meniscus, the cartilage cushioning the knee joint.
  • Clinical Signs : Knee pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or popping, difficulty straightening the knee.
  • Common Settings : Sports injuries, twisting motions, degenerative changes in older adults.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S83.209A Coding
S83.2-

Other meniscus derangements

Covers tears and other disruptions of knee menisci.

M23.-

Internal derangements of knee

Includes various knee internal derangements, sometimes with meniscus tears.

S83.-

Other joint derangements of knee

Encompasses other knee joint problems which may be related to meniscus tears.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Traumatic tear?

  • Yes

    Which knee?

  • No

    Which knee?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Torn Meniscus
Medial Meniscus Tear
Lateral Meniscus Tear

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Torn meniscus ICD-10 code documented
  • Laterality (left or right) specified
  • Acute or chronic meniscus tear
  • Meniscus tear type (e.g., bucket handle)
  • Medial or lateral meniscus tear location

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding Error

    Missing or incorrect right/left side specification for the torn meniscus impacting reimbursement and data accuracy. Crucial for accurate coding in medical claims.

  • Specificity Undercoding

    Failing to code the specific type of meniscus tear (e.g., medial, lateral, anterior, posterior) leads to lower reimbursement and inaccurate clinical data. Important for proper medical coding and documentation.

  • Traumatic vs. Degenerative

    Miscoding a degenerative tear as traumatic or vice-versa impacts severity reflection and subsequent treatment. Differentiating these is key for compliant healthcare billing and coding.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document mechanism of injury for accurate ICD-10 coding (S83.-)
  • Specify meniscus tear location (medial/lateral) for precise CPT coding
  • Use MRI findings to support diagnosis, improve CDI, ensure compliance
  • Clearly document pain, locking, limited ROM for accurate severity coding
  • Correlate exam findings with imaging for compliant billing and coding

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Joint line pain tenderness localized to medial or lateral meniscus ICD-10: M23.2
  • 2. Positive McMurray's or Thessaly test SNOMED CT: 298381000
  • 3. Mechanical symptoms locking catching or clicking ICD-10: M23.3
  • 4. Effusion or joint swelling present document severity SNOMED CT: 271699008
  • 5. Imaging MRI confirmation for definitive diagnosis CPT: 73721

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Torn Meniscus reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 (S83) and CPT (e.g., 29880-29883) coding for optimal payment.
  • Quality metrics: Tracking meniscus repair/meniscectomy complications (infection, stiffness) impacts hospital quality reporting.
  • Denial management crucial: Clear documentation of injury mechanism, diagnostic imaging supports successful claims processing.
  • Coding specificity (medial/lateral, acute/chronic tear) affects reimbursement and value-based care metrics.

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 lateral/medial meniscus
  • Specify tear type (e.g., bucket handle)
  • Document acute/chronic, traumatic/degenerative
  • Use MRI findings to support diagnosis
  • Consider laterality and 717.xx/S83.xx

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with a torn meniscus injury.  Onset of symptoms occurred [Date of onset] following [Mechanism of injury - e.g., twisting injury while playing sports, squatting].  Patient reports [Location of pain - e.g., medial right knee pain, lateral left knee pain] characterized as [Quality of pain - e.g., sharp, aching, throbbing] and rated [Pain scale rating] on a 0-10 scale.  Associated symptoms include [List associated symptoms - e.g., swelling, stiffness, clicking, popping, locking, giving way].  Physical examination reveals [Objective findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation along the joint line, positive McMurray's test, decreased range of motion].  Differential diagnosis includes meniscus tear, ligament sprain, patellar tendinopathy, osteoarthritis.  Preliminary diagnosis of meniscus tear is suspected based on clinical presentation and physical examination findings.  Plan includes [Diagnostic tests - e.g.,  MRI of the [affected knee] to confirm diagnosis] and [Treatment plan - e.g.,  conservative management with RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation), NSAIDs for pain management, referral to physical therapy, possible orthopedic consultation for surgical intervention].  Patient education provided on meniscus tear symptoms, treatment options, and expected recovery time.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Duration] to reassess symptoms and discuss further management.  ICD-10 code: [Appropriate ICD-10 code - e.g., M23.211 Tear of medial meniscus, right knee, current injury].