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ICD-10 Coding for Meniscectomy(S83.20)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Meniscectomy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Knee Meniscus SurgeryMeniscus Removal

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Meniscectomy

S83.2Primary Range

Tear of meniscus, current injury

This range includes codes for current meniscal tears, which are the primary conditions treated with meniscectomy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for meniscectomy

Essential facts and insights about Meniscectomy

The ICD-10 code for a current meniscal tear, which may require meniscectomy, is S83.20 for unspecified meniscus tears.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for meniscectomy

Tear of unspecified meniscus, current injury
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI and physical exam confirm current meniscal tear.

Applicable To

  • Unspecified meniscal tear

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI confirmation of meniscal tear
  • Physical exam findings such as joint line tenderness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Lack of specificity may lead to denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies if the tear is medial or lateral when possible.

Differential Codes

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

Derangement of meniscus due to old tear or injury

M23.2
Use for chronic or old meniscal tears.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Meniscectomy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.20.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body involved., Use anatomical modifiers appropriately.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing may result in claim denials., Compliance: Violates coding guidelines for bundled procedures., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate procedure reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Do not report 29877 with 29880/29881 as chondroplasty is included.

Impact

Improper billing of chondroplasty with meniscectomy codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the inclusion of chondroplasty in the same compartment.

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

Documentation Templates for Meniscectomy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Meniscectomy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy with Chondroplasty

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Required Elements

  • Approach and portals used
  • Specific meniscus and tear type
  • Chondroplasty details and compartment

Example Documentation

Arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy via anterolateral portal, with chondroplasty of patellofemoral compartment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Meniscectomy performed.
Good Documentation Example
Arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy via anterolateral portal, with shaving of unstable meniscal fragments and chondroplasty of patellofemoral compartment (Outerbridge grade III).
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the procedure, compartments, and grading, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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