Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for CPPD Arthritis(M11.20, M11.261)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for CPPD Arthritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

PseudogoutCalcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Deposition Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to CPPD Arthritis

M11.2-M11.29Primary Range

Chondrocalcinosis

This range covers the primary codes for CPPD arthritis, including site-specific and unspecified codes.

Other disorders of calcium metabolism

This range is relevant for coding metabolic disorders that may be comorbid with CPPD.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M11.20Chondrocalcinosis, unspecified siteUse when CPPD is suspected but not confirmed by crystal analysis or imaging.
  • Clinical suspicion of CPPD without crystal confirmation or imaging
M11.261Chondrocalcinosis, right kneeUse when CPPD is confirmed in the right knee by crystal analysis and imaging.
  • CPP crystals identified in synovial fluid
  • Imaging showing chondrocalcinosis

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for CPPD arthritis

Essential facts and insights about CPPD Arthritis

The ICD-10 code for unspecified CPPD arthritis is M11.20, with site-specific codes like M11.261 for confirmed joint involvement.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cppd arthritis

Chondrocalcinosis, unspecified site
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Suspected CPPD based on clinical presentation without confirmatory tests.

Applicable To

  • Pseudogout

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical suspicion of CPPD without crystal confirmation or imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • May lead to under-specification if not followed up with specific site identification.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure follow-up testing to confirm CPPD and specify the site.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other disorders of calcium metabolism

E83.59
Use if there is a documented metabolic disorder affecting calcium levels.

Knee osteoarthritis

M17.9
Use if degenerative changes are documented alongside CPPD.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified osteoarthritis

M19.90
Use M19.90 for osteoarthritis without evidence of CPP crystals.

Rheumatoid arthritis

M05.79
Differentiate based on negative RF/CCP and presence of CPP crystals.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting CPPD Arthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M11.20.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the joint in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specific conditions., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M11.2x codes when CPP crystals are confirmed.

Impact

Audits may focus on the absence of documented crystal analysis or imaging.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all confirmatory tests are documented and attached to the patient record.

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 CPPD Arthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for CPPD Arthritis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for CPPD Arthritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute knee pain with suspected CPPD

Specialty: Rheumatology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination
  • Imaging results
  • Synovial fluid analysis

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 72F c/o acute R knee pain/swelling x 12h. No trauma. Hx similar episodes. **Objective**: - Effusion: R knee 2+ - Imaging: Chondrocalcinosis R knee (XR-12345) - Labs: Synovial fluid → CPP crystals (+) **Assessment**: Acute CPP crystal arthritis (M11.261) **Plan**: Colchicine 0.6mg BID; follow-up in 1 week

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Knee pain. Likely pseudogout.
Good Documentation Example
Acute inflammatory arthritis R knee with CPP crystals confirmed via synovial analysis; chondrocalcinosis on X-ray. No evidence of septic arthritis or gout.
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnostic findings and excludes other conditions, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for CPPD Arthritis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more