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ICD-10 Coding for Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome(M22.2X2, M25.562)

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

Also known as:

Anterior Knee Pain SyndromeRunner's Knee

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome

M22.2X-M22.2X9Primary Range

Patellofemoral disorders

This range includes specific codes for patellofemoral disorders, including those affecting the left knee.

Pain in joint

This range includes codes for joint pain, which may be used when the specific cause is not identified.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M22.2X2Patellofemoral disorders, left kneeUse when patellofemoral syndrome is confirmed with specific clinical findings.
  • Retropatellar pain exacerbated by activities like squatting or stair descent
  • Physical exam findings such as patellar tilt or tenderness
  • Imaging to rule out other knee pathologies
M25.562Pain in left kneeUse when knee pain is present but specific etiology like patellofemoral syndrome is not confirmed.
  • Absence of specific structural findings
  • No confirmation of patellofemoral syndrome

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 patellofemoral syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for left knee patellofemoral syndrome is M22.2X2, used for confirmed cases with specific clinical findings.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left knee patellofemoral syndrome

Patellofemoral disorders, left knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of retropatellar pain with specific aggravating activities

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed physical exam findings and imaging results

Applicable To

  • Retropatellar pain
  • Patellar maltracking

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Retropatellar pain exacerbated by activities like squatting or stair descent
  • Physical exam findings such as patellar tilt or tenderness
  • Imaging to rule out other knee pathologies

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using this code without confirming patellofemoral syndrome can lead to denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the left knee and includes detailed clinical findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

High school as place of occurrence

Y92.213
Use for sports-related injuries occurring at a high school.

Differential Codes

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

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left knee

M17.12
Use when imaging shows joint space narrowing indicative of osteoarthritis.

Tear of medial meniscus, current injury, left knee

S83.242D
Use if McMurray test is positive and MRI confirms meniscus tear.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M22.2X2.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to ambiguity in treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right in clinical notes., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clinical documentation supports the use of M22.2X2 by confirming patellofemoral syndrome.

Impact

Using non-specific codes when a specific diagnosis is confirmed.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific codes like M22.2X2.

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 Patellofemoral Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome

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

Orthopedic Evaluation for Knee Pain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Differential diagnosis

Example Documentation

Patient reports retropatellar pain exacerbated by stairs. Exam shows lateral patellar tilt. MRI negative for meniscal tear. Diagnosis: Left knee patellofemoral syndrome.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Knee pain. Start PT.
Good Documentation Example
Retropatellar pain (6/10 VAS) worsening with squats. Negative Lachman/McMurray. MRI shows intact menisci but lateral patellar tilt. Diagnosed as left knee patellofemoral syndrome. Plan: 6-week gluteal strengthening program.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and a clear diagnosis, supporting the use of a specific ICD-10 code.

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

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