Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Internal Derangement of Knee(M23.2X, M23.8X)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Internal Derangement of Knee. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Knee DerangementMeniscal TearLigamentous Instability

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Internal Derangement of Knee

M23.2-M23.8Primary Range

Internal derangement of knee

This range includes codes for various types of internal derangements of the knee, such as meniscal tears and ligamentous instability.

Injuries to the knee and lower leg

This range is used for coding current injuries to the knee, which are not classified under internal derangement.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M23.2XDerangement of meniscus due to old tearUse for chronic meniscal derangement due to an old tear.
  • MRI showing healed meniscal tear
  • History of knee injury >1 year ago
M23.8XOther internal derangements of kneeUse for non-meniscal derangements such as plica syndrome.
  • Arthroscopic findings of non-meniscal derangement

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 internal derangement of knee

Essential facts and insights about Internal Derangement of Knee

The ICD-10 code for internal derangement of the knee includes M23.2X for meniscal derangement due to old tear and M23.8X for other internal derangements.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for internal derangement of knee

Derangement of meniscus due to old tear
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI confirmation of old meniscal tear

documentation Criteria

  • Patient history indicating injury occurred over a year ago

Applicable To

  • Old meniscal tear

Excludes

  • Current meniscal tear (S83.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing healed meniscal tear
  • History of knee injury >1 year ago

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with acute tear codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the chronic nature and origin of the tear.

Ancillary Codes

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

Primary osteoarthritis of knee

M17.0
Use when osteoarthritis is present alongside meniscal derangement.

Acquired absence of lower limb

Z89.5
Use if the patient has undergone amputation.

Differential Codes

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

Tear of meniscus, current injury

S83.2
Use S83.2 for acute meniscal tears occurring within the last year.

Derangement of meniscus due to old tear

M23.2X
Use M23.2X for meniscal tears, not for other derangements.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Internal Derangement of Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M23.2X.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for documentation, Ensure thorough patient history is recorded

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for specific details that allow for more precise coding.

Impact

Risk of using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training and audits to ensure specific coding.

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 Internal Derangement of Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Internal Derangement of Knee

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

Chronic meniscal derangement due to old sports injury

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

45M with 18-month history of right knee locking episodes following 2023 basketball injury. Failed 6 months PT with McMurray-positive exam.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right knee pain
Good Documentation Example
Chronic postero-medial right knee pain with reproducible mechanical locking, correlating with MRI evidence of displaced medial meniscus fragment (Boden classification Type III)
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and correlates them with imaging results, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Internal Derangement of Knee? 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