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ICD-10 Coding for Septic Arthritis of the Left Knee(M00.062)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Septic Arthritis of the Left Knee. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Infectious Arthritis of the Left KneeBacterial Arthritis of the Left Knee

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Septic Arthritis of the Left Knee

M00-M02Primary Range

Arthropathies

This range includes codes for infectious and reactive arthropathies, specifically addressing septic arthritis.

Other bacterial diseases

Includes codes for sepsis, which may be relevant if the septic arthritis leads to systemic infection.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for septic arthritis left knee

Essential facts and insights about Septic Arthritis of the Left Knee

The ICD-10 code for septic arthritis of the left knee is M00.062, used when Staphylococcus is identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for septic arthritis left knee

Staphylococcal arthritis, left knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive synovial fluid culture for Staphylococcus

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed organism identification and laterality

Applicable To

  • Staphylococcal infection of the left knee joint

Excludes

  • Reactive arthritis (M02.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Culture-positive joint aspirate for Staphylococcus
  • Synovial fluid WBC >50,000 cells/mm³ with >90% PMNs

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying the organism can lead to incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure organism specificity is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left knee

M25.562
Use for symptom management when documenting pain.

Fever, unspecified

R50.9
Use when fever is a presenting symptom.

Differential Codes

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

Gout, left knee

M10.062
Presence of urate crystals and negative cultures.

Lyme arthritis

A69.23
Positive Lyme serology and history of tick exposure.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Septic Arthritis of the Left Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M00.062.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate antibiotic therapy., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are reviewed and documented., Include organism in the final diagnosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure organism is documented and use specific codes.

Impact

Audits may focus on whether the organism is specified when coding septic arthritis.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all culture results are documented and coded accurately.

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 Septic Arthritis of the Left Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Septic Arthritis of the Left Knee

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Septic Arthritis of the Left Knee. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory results
  • Imaging findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 3 days of left knee swelling and fever. Synovial fluid analysis shows 70,000 WBC/mm³ with 95% PMNs. Culture positive for MSSA.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Infected knee, started antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Left knee aspirate shows 70,000 WBC/mm³, 95% PMNs, culture positive for MSSA. Started on IV antibiotics.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and organism identification, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Septic Arthritis of the Left Knee? Ask your questions below.

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