ICD-10: Train Physicians Now for Extra Osteoarthritis Documentation in 2013

Unspecified location? Look to the M19 codes.

When ICD-9 becomes ICD-10 in October 2013, physicians will need to be more conscious of documentation when noting a patient has osteoarthritis. Current diagnosis choices (e.g., 715.xx) specify the arthritis location and whether it is primary or secondary to other conditions.

ICD-10 difference: Under ICD-10, you'll have several code families to search for the best diagnosis:

• M15 (Polyosteoarthritis)
• M16 (Osteoarthritis of hip)
• M17 (Osteoarthritis of knee)
• M18 (Osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint)
• M19 (Other and unspecified osteoarthritis).

Each code is broken down into location, primary, and secondary like your ICD-9 codes, but they also sometimes specify unilateral, bilateral, and [...]

- Published on 2011-11-14