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ICD-10 Coding for Left Knee Effusion(M25.462)

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

Also known as:

Water on the KneeKnee Joint Swelling

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Knee Effusion

M25.4Primary Range

Effusion of joint

This range includes codes for joint effusions, specifying laterality and site.

Osteoarthritis of knee

Relevant when effusion is associated with osteoarthritis.

Injury of knee ligaments

Used when effusion is due to acute knee injury.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left knee effusion

Essential facts and insights about Left Knee Effusion

The ICD-10 code for left knee effusion is M25.462, used for isolated or primary effusion cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left knee effusion

Effusion, left knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of joint swelling and positive clinical tests

documentation Criteria

  • Clear documentation of laterality and clinical findings

Applicable To

  • Swelling of left knee joint

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive bulge sign
  • Positive patellar tap
  • Imaging showing joint space distension

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified laterality
  • Missing documentation of clinical tests

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented; use additional codes for underlying conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left knee

M17.12
Use when effusion is secondary to osteoarthritis.

Tear of meniscus, current injury

S83.2xxA
Use when effusion is due to acute injury.

Differential Codes

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

Effusion, right knee

M25.461
Use for effusion in the right knee.

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left knee

M17.12
Use when effusion is part of osteoarthritis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Knee Effusion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M25.462.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment planning and follow-up., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Standardize documentation templates to include laterality., Educate staff on importance of specificity.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right knee in documentation.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality.

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 Knee Effusion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Knee Effusion

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

Orthopedic evaluation of knee effusion

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Effusion severity
  • Clinical tests results
  • Aspiration details
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

LEFT KNEE EXAM: Effusion: Moderate, Ballottement: Positive, Aspiration: 15mL straw-colored fluid.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left knee swollen.
Good Documentation Example
Left knee demonstrates 3+ effusion with positive patellar ballottement and limited flexion to 90°.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and measurements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Knee Effusion? Ask your questions below.

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