What is the ICD-10 code for left shoulder instability?

The ICD-10 code for recurrent instability of the left shoulder is M24.212. This code is used when documenting recurrent dislocations or subluxations without acute dislocation.

How do you code shoulder instability?

Shoulder instability is coded using M24.21- series, specifying laterality. For example, M24.211 for right shoulder and M24.212 for left shoulder.

ICD-10 Coding for Shoulder Instability(M24.211, M24.21, M24.212)

Save

Explore detailed ICD-10 coding guidelines for shoulder instability, including primary and secondary codes, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls.

Also known as:

Glenohumeral InstabilityShoulder LaxityRecurrent Shoulder Dislocation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Shoulder Instability

M00-M99Primary Range

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

→

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
M24.211	Recurrent dislocation, right shoulder	Use when documenting recurrent instability of the right shoulder without acute dislocation.	Positive apprehension test MRI showing Bankart lesion
M24.212	Recurrent dislocation, left shoulder	Use when documenting recurrent instability of the left shoulder without acute dislocation.	Positive apprehension test MRI showing Bankart lesion

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Disorder of ligament, right shoulder

M24.211Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Pain in right shoulderM25.511

Use when pain is the primary symptom without documented instability.

Pain in left shoulderM25.512

Use when pain is the primary symptom without documented instability.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Shoulder Instability.

Failing to document imaging findings.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation

Ensure imaging results are included in the patient's record., Use checklists to verify documentation completeness.

Using M25.51- codes for pain instead of M24.21- for instability.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement if coded as pain., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient conditions.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation specifies instability, not just pain.

Unspecified laterality

Impact

Coding without specifying laterality may lead to audits.

Mitigation

Always document and code laterality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with M24.211.

Primary Code

M24.211

Disorder of ligament, right shoulder

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes10

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Shoulder Instability(M24.211, M24.21, M24.212)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for left shoulder instability?

How do you code shoulder instability?

Related condition guides