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ICD-10 Coding for Left Hip Degenerative Joint Disease(M16.12)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Hip Degenerative Joint Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Hip OsteoarthritisLeft Hip DJD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Hip Degenerative Joint Disease

M16.0-M16.9Primary Range

Osteoarthritis of hip

This range includes codes for various types of osteoarthritis affecting the hip, including primary and secondary forms.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left hip DJD

Essential facts and insights about Left Hip Degenerative Joint Disease

The ICD-10 code for unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left hip is M16.12.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left hip djd

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left hip
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Radiographic evidence of primary osteoarthritis

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of left hip involvement

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of the left hip

Excludes

  • Secondary osteoarthritis of the left hip (M16.7)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Osteophyte formation
  • Subchondral sclerosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Lack of imaging confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and confirms primary osteoarthritis through imaging.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of left artificial hip joint

Z96.642
Use when the patient has a history of hip replacement surgery.

Differential Codes

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

Secondary osteoarthritis of the left hip

M16.7
Use when osteoarthritis is due to a secondary cause such as trauma or congenital deformity.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Hip Degenerative Joint Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M16.12.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging results are included in the patient record.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality and type of osteoarthritis.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to coding errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement a checklist for documentation completeness.

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 Left Hip Degenerative Joint Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Hip Degenerative Joint Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Hip Degenerative Joint Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic evaluation for left hip pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: '68F c/o left groin pain worsening over 6 months, rates 7/10 on activity. No prior hip trauma/surgery.' **Objective**: TTP: Left greater trochanter, ROM: Left hip flexion 95°, Imaging: Left hip X-ray shows superior joint space 1.8mm, femoral osteophytes **Assessment**: Primary DJD left hip (M16.12), KL Grade 3 **Plan**: PT referral, corticosteroid injection scheduled

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left hip arthritis - continue current management
Good Documentation Example
Primary DJD left hip with KL Grade 3 changes on X-ray. Patient reports 50% reduction in walking tolerance. Plan: Synvisc injection, M16.12 assigned
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the condition, imaging findings, and treatment plan, which supports accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Hip Degenerative Joint Disease? Ask your questions below.

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