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ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Knee DJD(M17.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bilateral Knee DJD. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bilateral Knee OsteoarthritisBilateral Knee Degenerative Joint Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Knee DJD

M15-M19Primary Range

Arthritis and osteoarthritis

This range includes all forms of arthritis, with M17.0 specifically for bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bilateral knee DJD

Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Knee DJD

The ICD-10 code for bilateral knee DJD is M17.0, indicating bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for bilateral knee djd

Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed bilateral OA on imaging

coding Criteria

  • Use M17.0 for primary OA, not secondary

documentation Criteria

  • Document KL grade and chronicity

Applicable To

  • Bilateral knee osteoarthritis
  • Bilateral knee DJD

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray showing KL grade ≥2
  • Chronic knee pain >6 months
  • Morning stiffness <30 minutes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding for knee pain without OA confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging supports the diagnosis of bilateral OA.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Chronic pain, not elsewhere classified

G89.29
Use for pain management when pain severity requires separate attention.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Other bilateral secondary osteoarthritis of knee

M17.4
Use M17.4 for secondary causes like trauma or obesity.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Knee DJD to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M17.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and imaging., Use specific ICD codes based on confirmed diagnosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Only use M17.0 if imaging confirms structural damage.

Impact

Using bilateral codes without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging and clinical notes support bilateral diagnosis.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Bilateral Knee DJD, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bilateral Knee DJD

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bilateral Knee DJD. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Progress Note

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Pain history and severity
  • Objective: Imaging results and physical exam
  • Assessment: Diagnosis with ICD code
  • Plan: Treatment plan and follow-up

Example Documentation

72F with 8-year history of bilateral knee pain worsening over 6 months. Rates pain 7/10, worse with stairs. Failed PT/NSAIDs.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has knee arthritis.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral primary OA: KL grade 3 right knee, grade 2 left knee on weight-bearing X-rays. Chronic pain with morning stiffness <20 mins.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and symptom details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bilateral Knee DJD? Ask your questions below.

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