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ICD-10 Coding for Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease(M19.012)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Shoulder OsteoarthritisLeft Shoulder DJD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease

M15-M19Primary Range

Osteoarthritis

This range includes codes for various forms of osteoarthritis, including primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left shoulder mild degenerative joint disease

Essential facts and insights about Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease

The ICD-10 code for left shoulder mild degenerative joint disease is M19.012, indicating primary osteoarthritis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left shoulder mild degenerative joint disease

Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation of chronic pain and stiffness

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of the left shoulder

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M19.032)
  • Secondary osteoarthritis (M19.222)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Presence of osteophytes
  • Chronic pain and stiffness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if imaging does not confirm osteoarthritis
  • Incorrect use if laterality is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' osteoarthritis and includes imaging findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use to document pain symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.

Differential Codes

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

Incomplete rotator cuff tear or rupture of left shoulder, not specified as traumatic

M75.12
Use when imaging shows rotator cuff tear rather than joint degeneration.

Adhesive capsulitis of left shoulder

M75.02
Use when there is significant restriction of shoulder movement without osteoarthritic changes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.012.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incomplete clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Financial: Potential claim denials due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right shoulder in documentation., Use specific ICD-10 codes for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality to use M19.012 for the left shoulder.

Impact

Failure to specify laterality can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality in EHR systems.

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 Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Shoulder Mild Degenerative Joint Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Progress Note

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Subjective complaints
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment with specific code
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** 78yo F reports 6mo progressive left shoulder stiffness, worse loading dishwasher (NRS 7/10). Denies trauma. NSAIDs provide 40% relief. **Objective:** ROM: Flex 100° (120° contralateral), IR T10 (T6 contralateral). Imaging: Grashey view shows 60% joint space loss, posterior humeral osteophyte. Labs: CRP 0.8, ESR 18 **Assessment:** Primary osteoarthritis left shoulder (M19.012) **Plan:** 1. Image-guided glenohumeral injection (20610) 2. Home exercise program for capsular stretching

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pt complains of left shoulder pain. X-ray shows arthritis.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic left shoulder pain worsening with abduction >90°. Weight-bearing X-ray (01/2025) reveals: 2.1mm joint space (vs 3.8mm right), Inferior humeral osteophyte (3mm), Subchondral cyst formation. No inflammatory markers (CRP 0.4 mg/dL). Diagnosis: Primary OA left shoulder (M19.012)
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and clinical details necessary for accurate coding.

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