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ICD-10 Coding for Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear(S83.262, M23.262)

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

Also known as:

Lateral Meniscus Tear of Left KneeLeft Lateral Meniscus Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear

S83.2-S83.3Primary Range

Injury of meniscus and cruciate ligaments of knee

This range includes codes for acute injuries to the meniscus, including lateral meniscus tears.

Derangement of meniscus due to old tear or injury

This range is used for chronic or degenerative meniscus conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S83.262Peripheral tear of lateral meniscus, current injury, left kneeUse for acute peripheral tears confirmed by clinical and imaging findings.
  • Positive McMurray test
  • MRI confirmation of peripheral tear
M23.262Derangement of lateral meniscus due to old tear or injury, left kneeUse for chronic conditions with documented history of prior meniscus injury.
  • History of prior knee injury
  • Degenerative changes on MRI

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 left knee lateral meniscus tear

Essential facts and insights about Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear

The ICD-10 code for a left knee lateral meniscus tear is S83.262, applicable for acute peripheral tears.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left knee lateral meniscus tear

Peripheral tear of lateral meniscus, current injury, left knee
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute trauma and positive McMurray test

documentation Criteria

  • MRI findings confirming peripheral tear

Applicable To

  • Acute peripheral tear of lateral meniscus

Excludes

  • Chronic tear of lateral meniscus (M23.262)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive McMurray test
  • MRI confirmation of peripheral tear

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as chronic tear

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the tear type and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left knee

M25.561
Use when pain is a documented symptom.

Differential Codes

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

Derangement of lateral meniscus due to old tear or injury

M23.262
Use for chronic conditions with a history of prior injury.

Peripheral tear of lateral meniscus, current injury, left knee

S83.262
Use for acute injuries with recent trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.262.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates, Ensure imaging reports are included

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and tear type in documentation.

Impact

Using unspecified codes can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation specifies laterality and tear type.

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 Lateral Meniscus Tear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Knee Lateral Meniscus Tear

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

Orthopedic evaluation of acute knee injury

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute left knee pain after soccer injury. Positive McMurray test. MRI confirms peripheral tear of lateral meniscus. Plan for arthroscopic meniscectomy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Knee pain after fall. MRI ordered.
Good Documentation Example
Fall with left knee twisting during basketball. Positive Steinman test. MRI shows complete radial tear of lateral meniscus.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging results, supporting accurate coding.

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

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