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ICD-10 Coding for Glenohumeral Joint Arthritis(M19.012, M19.211)

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

Also known as:

Shoulder OsteoarthritisDegenerative Joint Disease of the Shoulder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Glenohumeral Joint Arthritis

M19.01-M19.93Primary Range

Primary and secondary osteoarthritis

This range includes codes for primary and secondary osteoarthritis, specifying laterality and type, which are essential for accurate coding of glenohumeral joint arthritis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M19.012Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulderUse when primary osteoarthritis is confirmed in the left shoulder without any underlying trauma or surgery.
  • Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Osteophyte formation
M19.211Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right shoulderUse when osteoarthritis is secondary to a previous injury or surgery in the right shoulder.
  • History of shoulder trauma or surgery
  • Radiographic changes consistent with osteoarthritis

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 glenohumeral joint arthritis

Essential facts and insights about Glenohumeral Joint Arthritis

The ICD-10 code for primary osteoarthritis of the left shoulder is M19.012. For post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right shoulder, use M19.211.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for glenohumeral joint arthritis

Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis without history of trauma

documentation Criteria

  • Documented as primary osteoarthritis with laterality specified

Applicable To

  • Degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M19.21-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Osteophyte formation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as secondary osteoarthritis without evidence

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and type of osteoarthritis are documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right shoulder

M25.511
Use when pain is present but the etiology is unclear or pending further investigation.

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use when pain is present but the etiology is unclear or pending further investigation.

Differential Codes

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

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left shoulder

M19.212
History of trauma or surgery leading to osteoarthritis

Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder

M19.012
No history of trauma or surgery

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Glenohumeral Joint Arthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.012.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans, Regulatory: Increases risk of non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims due to unspecified coding

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for documentation, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Document laterality and type of osteoarthritis to use specific codes like M19.012 or M19.211.

Impact

Using unspecified codes can trigger audits due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all clinical documentation specifies laterality and type of osteoarthritis.

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

Documentation Templates for Glenohumeral Joint Arthritis

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

Orthopedic evaluation for shoulder pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history including trauma
  • Physical examination findings
  • Radiographic evidence
  • Diagnosis and treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: Primary osteoarthritis, left glenohumeral joint (M19.012). Plan: Total shoulder arthroplasty scheduled.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder pain, advise PT.
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis, left glenohumeral joint (M19.012): Symptoms include pain with overhead activity, confirmed by X-ray.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and laterality of osteoarthritis, supported by imaging.

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

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