ICD-10 Coding for Osteoarthritis of Bilateral Knee(M17.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Osteoarthritis of Bilateral Knee. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Osteoarthritis of Bilateral Knee
M15-M19Primary Range
Arthritis and arthrosis
This range includes all forms of osteoarthritis, with specific codes for primary and secondary OA, including bilateral involvement.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for osteoarthritis of bilateral knees
Essential facts and insights about Osteoarthritis of Bilateral Knee
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for osteoarthritis of bilateral knee
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed by imaging with no trauma history.
documentation Criteria
- Documentation must specify 'primary' and 'bilateral'.
Applicable To
- Primary OA of both knees
Excludes
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M17.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- X-ray showing symmetric joint space narrowing
- Osteophyte formation
- Subchondral sclerosis
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly using M17.9 when laterality is documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' and 'bilateral' to avoid unspecified coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee
M17.2Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Osteoarthritis of Bilateral Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M17.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include imaging results in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use M17.0 when bilateral involvement is confirmed.
Impact
Risk of using unspecified codes when specific laterality is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement coding audits and training on specificity requirements.
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 Osteoarthritis of Bilateral Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Osteoarthritis of Bilateral Knee
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Osteoarthritis of Bilateral Knee. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Bilateral knee pain with confirmed OA
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- History of knee pain
- Physical exam findings
- Imaging results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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