What is the ICD-10 code for degenerative joint disease?

The ICD-10 code for degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, varies by joint and laterality. For example, M17.11 is used for unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the right knee.

How do you code bilateral hip osteoarthritis?

Bilateral hip osteoarthritis is coded as M16.12, indicating primary osteoarthritis affecting both hips.

ICD-10 Coding for Degenerative Joint Disease(M17.11, M16.12, M16.5)

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Comprehensive guide to ICD-10 coding for degenerative joint disease, including primary and secondary osteoarthritis codes, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls.

Also known as:

OsteoarthritisDJD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Degenerative Joint Disease

M00-M99Primary Range

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
M17.11	Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee	Use when there is confirmed primary osteoarthritis in the right knee with specific radiographic findings.	Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing ≥2mm Patient reports knee pain and stiffness
M16.12	Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of hip	Use when there is confirmed primary osteoarthritis in both hips.	Radiographic evidence of osteophytes and joint space narrowing Patient reports bilateral hip pain

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee

M17.11Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right kneeM19.11

Use when there is a history of trauma leading to osteoarthritis.

Secondary osteoarthritis of hipM16.5

Use when osteoarthritis is secondary to another condition.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Degenerative Joint Disease.

Failing to specify laterality in documentation.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation

Always document the specific joint affected., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Using unspecified codes when specific laterality is documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records.

Mitigation

Always use the most specific code available, specifying laterality and primary vs. secondary nature.

Specificity in coding

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with M17.11.

Primary Code

M17.11

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee

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ICD-10 codes6

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Degenerative Joint Disease(M17.11, M16.12, M16.5)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for degenerative joint disease?

How do you code bilateral hip osteoarthritis?

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