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:
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
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S83.262 | Peripheral tear of lateral meniscus, current injury, left knee | Use for acute peripheral tears confirmed by clinical and imaging findings. |
|
| M23.262 | Derangement of lateral meniscus due to old tear or injury, left knee | Use for chronic conditions with documented history of prior meniscus injury. |
|
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
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left knee lateral meniscus tear
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.
M23.262 - Derangement of lateral meniscus due to old tear or injury, left knee
Use for chronic conditions with documented history of prior meniscus injury.
Applicable To
- Chronic instability due to old lateral meniscus tear
Excludes
- Acute tear of lateral meniscus (S83.262)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of prior knee injury
- Degenerative changes on MRI
Coding Notes
Ensure chronicity and history of prior injury are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Pain in left knee
M25.561Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
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: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Mechanism of injury
- Physical exam findings
- Imaging results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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