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ICD-10 Coding for Left Knee Torn Meniscus(S83.22XA, M23.262)

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

Also known as:

Left Knee Meniscus TearMedial Meniscus Tear Left Knee

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Knee Torn Meniscus

S83.2Primary Range

Tear of meniscus, current injury

This range includes codes for acute tears of the meniscus in the knee, specifying laterality and type of tear.

Derangement of meniscus due to old tear or injury

This range includes codes for chronic or degenerative tears of the meniscus, specifying laterality and chronicity.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S83.22XATear of medial meniscus, current injury, left knee, initial encounterUse for acute traumatic tears of the medial meniscus in the left knee.
  • MRI confirmation of acute tear
  • Documented traumatic event
M23.262Derangement of medial meniscus due to old tear or injury, left kneeUse for chronic or degenerative tears of the medial meniscus in the left knee.
  • History of prior knee injury
  • MRI showing degenerative changes

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 torn meniscus

Essential facts and insights about Left Knee Torn Meniscus

The ICD-10 code for an acute tear of the medial meniscus in the left knee is S83.22XA.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left knee torn meniscus

Tear of medial meniscus, current injury, left knee, initial encounter
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Acute traumatic event with MRI confirmation

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'acute' and 'left knee'

Applicable To

  • Acute tear of medial meniscus, left knee

Excludes

  • Chronic tear of medial meniscus (M23.2-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI confirmation of acute tear
  • Documented traumatic event

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'acute' and 'left knee'.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes the type of tear and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left knee

M25.562
Use when pain management is a focus of care.

Differential Codes

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

Tear of lateral meniscus, current injury, left knee, initial encounter

S83.21XA
Use when the tear is in the lateral meniscus instead of the medial.

Derangement of lateral meniscus due to old tear or injury, left knee

M23.261
Use when the derangement is in the lateral meniscus instead of the medial.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Knee Torn Meniscus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.22XA.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Review patient history thoroughly., Document any previous knee injuries.

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 the type and laterality of the tear.

Impact

Coding both acute and chronic tears simultaneously.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on Excludes1 note implications.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Knee Torn Meniscus

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

Orthopedic evaluation of left knee meniscus tear

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

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

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** 'Left knee pain and locking for 6 weeks.' **Objective:** 'Positive McMurray's test, MRI shows medial meniscus tear.' **Assessment:** 'Acute medial meniscus tear, left knee.'

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left knee pain.
Good Documentation Example
Acute vertical longitudinal tear, posterior horn medial meniscus, left knee.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and location of the tear, which is necessary for accurate coding.

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

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