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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM23.262

M23.262

Billable

Derangement of other lateral meniscus due to old tear or injury, left knee

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M23.262 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of derangement of other lateral meniscus due to old tear or injury, left knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M23.262 refers to a condition characterized by the derangement of the lateral meniscus in the left knee, resulting from an old tear or injury. The lateral meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia, providing stability and shock absorption during movement. Over time, degenerative changes or previous injuries can lead to derangement, which may manifest as pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Patients often report a sensation of locking or catching in the knee, particularly during activities that involve twisting or pivoting. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as MRI, and sometimes arthroscopy for direct visualization. Treatment options may include conservative management with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical intervention such as meniscectomy or meniscus repair, depending on the severity of the derangement and the patient's activity level. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic conditions
  • Understanding the specific type of meniscal injury
  • Identifying associated ligament injuries
  • Documenting previous surgical history

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's history
  • Failure to specify the laterality of the condition
  • Lack of imaging results to support diagnosis
  • Inconsistent terminology in clinical notes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical notes, imaging reports, and pre-operative assessments are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Meniscal tears following sports injuries, degenerative changes in older patients, and post-surgical evaluations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant surgical procedures and findings are documented to support coding.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessments of functional limitations and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following meniscal surgery, chronic knee pain management, and pre-operative evaluations.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's progress and response to therapy is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M23.262 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M23
  • 262 should be used when the derangement is specifically due to an old tear or injury
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the laterality is clearly indicated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M23.262 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

29881CPT Code

Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy, medial or lateral

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing a meniscectomy for derangement of the lateral meniscus.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes must detail the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure accurate coding of the procedure performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M23.262 provides a clear classification for chronic meniscal derangements, facilitating better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M23.262 provides a clear classification for chronic meniscal derangements, facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M23.262 provides a clear classification for chronic meniscal derangements, facilitating better patient management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between M23.261 and M23.262?

M23.261 refers to derangement of the right lateral meniscus, while M23.262 pertains to the left lateral meniscus. Accurate coding requires specifying the laterality based on the patient's condition.