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ICD-10 Coding for Osteoarthritis of Left Hip(M16.12)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Osteoarthritis of Left Hip. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Degenerative Joint Disease of Left HipLeft Hip OA

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Osteoarthritis of Left Hip

M15-M19Primary Range

Arthritis and related disorders

This range includes all forms of osteoarthritis, with specific codes for unilateral and bilateral conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for osteoarthritis of left hip

Essential facts and insights about Osteoarthritis of Left Hip

The ICD-10 code for unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left hip is M16.12, used when confirmed without trauma.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for osteoarthritis of left hip

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left hip
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of pain and stiffness in the left hip with radiographic evidence.

coding Criteria

  • Avoid unspecified codes when laterality is documented.

documentation Criteria

  • Document absence of trauma or systemic inflammatory disease.

Applicable To

  • Primary osteoarthritis of left hip

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (M16.2)
  • Secondary osteoarthritis (M16.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain and stiffness localized to the left hip
  • Radiographic evidence such as joint space narrowing and osteophytes
  • Absence of trauma, dysplasia, or systemic inflammatory disease

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes when laterality is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of left artificial hip joint

Z96.642
Use for post-replacement care of the left hip.

Pain in left hip

M25.552
Use if pain management is the primary focus.

Morbid obesity

E66.01
Use if obesity contributes to secondary osteoarthritis.

Differential Codes

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

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right hip

M16.11
Use for right hip involvement instead of left.

Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left hip

M16.2
Use if osteoarthritis follows a traumatic event.

Secondary osteoarthritis, left hip

M16.5
Use if osteoarthritis is due to another condition like obesity.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Osteoarthritis of Left Hip to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M16.12.

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Reduced reimbursement due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document affected side in clinical notes, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Lower reimbursement due to unspecified codes., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreased data quality and accuracy in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Audit for 'left' in documentation; query provider if ambiguous.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality.

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

Documentation Templates for Osteoarthritis of Left Hip

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Osteoarthritis of Left Hip. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Progress Note

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient history and symptoms
  • Objective: Physical exam findings
  • Imaging: Radiographic evidence
  • Assessment: Diagnosis with ICD-10 code
  • Plan: Treatment plan and follow-up

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: '72F with 2-year history of progressive left hip pain worsening with weight-bearing. No trauma history.' **Objective**: - Tenderness over left greater trochanter - Internal rotation limited to 15° (vs 45° on right) - Trendelenburg sign positive on left **Imaging**: Left hip X-ray shows superior joint space <2mm, subchondral sclerosis **Assessment**: Primary osteoarthritis left hip (M16.12) **Plan**: THA consultation

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hip arthritis
Good Documentation Example
Primary osteoarthritis of left hip confirmed by X-ray showing joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnosis and supporting radiographic evidence, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Osteoarthritis of Left Hip? Ask your questions below.

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