Other joint disorders

Historical Changes

• •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
• •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
• •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity

Upcoming Changes

• •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
• •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes

Implementation Guidance

• •Review all FY 2026 updates for M20-M25 codes before implementation
• •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
• •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
• +3 more guidance items...

Key Usage Points:

• •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
• •Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions.
• •For bilateral conditions, assign separate codes for both left and right if no bilateral code is provided.
• •Specify the type of joint disorder and the affected joint.
• •Use combination codes for disorders with associated conditions.

When to Use:

• ✓When a patient presents with an acquired deformity of a finger or toe.
• ✓When a patient has a disorder of the synovium or tendon.
• ✓When a patient has a joint disorder not classified elsewhere.
• ✓When a patient has a disorder of the joint due to previous surgery.

When NOT to Use:

• ✗When the condition is congenital, not acquired.
• ✗When the joint disorder is due to a systemic disease.
• ✗When the joint disorder is due to trauma.
• ✗When the condition is an infection or inflammation of the joint.

Common Documentation Errors:

• ⚠Not specifying the affected joint
• ⚠Not using the highest level of specificity
• ⚠Not coding associated conditions
• ⚠Not coding the cause of the disorder if known