ICD-10 Coding for Right Meniscus Tear(S83.21XA, M23.261)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Meniscus Tear. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Right Meniscus Tear
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S83.21XA | Bucket-handle tear of medial meniscus, right knee, initial encounter | Use for acute bucket-handle tears of the medial meniscus in the right knee during the initial encounter. |
|
| M23.261 | Derangement of medial meniscus due to old tear, right knee | Use for chronic conditions resulting from an old meniscus tear. |
|
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 right meniscus tear
Essential facts and insights about Right Meniscus Tear
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right meniscus tear
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- MRI confirmation of bucket-handle tear
documentation Criteria
- Detailed documentation of tear type and encounter type
Applicable To
- Acute bucket-handle tear of medial meniscus
Excludes
- Chronic meniscus tear (M23.2-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing displaced bucket-handle fragment
- Positive McMurray test
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using unspecified codes when specific details are available.
Coding Notes
- Ensure to specify the type of tear and laterality to avoid unspecified codes.
M23.261 - Derangement of medial meniscus due to old tear, right knee
Use for chronic conditions resulting from an old meniscus tear.
Applicable To
- Chronic instability of medial meniscus
Excludes
- Acute meniscus tear (S83.2-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of prior injury
- MRI evidence of healed tear with residual instability
Coding Notes
Ensure chronic nature of the condition is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Derangement of medial meniscus due to old tear, right knee
M23.261Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Meniscus Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.21XA.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document laterality in clinical notes., Use templates that prompt for laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies tear type, location, and laterality.
Impact
High denial rates for unspecified meniscus tear codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.
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 Right Meniscus Tear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Right Meniscus Tear
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Right Meniscus Tear. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute right knee meniscus tear
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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