ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM25.362

M25.362

Billable

Other instability, left knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M25.362 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other instability, left knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M25.362 refers to 'Other instability, left knee,' which encompasses a range of conditions affecting the stability of the left knee joint. This instability can arise from various internal derangements, including meniscal tears, ligament injuries, and other structural abnormalities. Meniscal tears, which can occur due to acute trauma or degenerative changes, often lead to joint instability, pain, and mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching. Ligament injuries, particularly to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), are common causes of knee instability, resulting from sports injuries or falls. The diagnosis of knee instability typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as MRI, and sometimes arthroscopic evaluation. Arthroscopic procedures may be performed to repair or remove damaged meniscal tissue or to reconstruct torn ligaments, which can significantly improve knee stability and function. Accurate coding for M25.362 requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying conditions contributing to knee instability and the specific interventions performed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying conditions leading to instability
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical procedures
  • Differentiation between acute and chronic conditions
  • Variability in clinical presentation and imaging findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific type of instability
  • Failure to document associated procedures performed
  • Misclassification of the type of meniscal or ligament injury
  • Lack of imaging results to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Meniscal repair, ACL reconstruction, and evaluation of knee instability post-injury.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the specific ligaments or menisci involved and the nature of the instability.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessments of functional limitations and rehabilitation plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-operative rehabilitation following knee surgery or conservative management of knee instability.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's functional status and response to therapy to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M25.362 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M25
  • 362 should be used when the instability is not classified under other specific codes
  • It is important to document the underlying cause of instability and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M25.362 When
  • Exclusion criteria include specific ligament injuries that have their own codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

29881CPT Code

Arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used for diagnostic evaluation of knee instability.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and procedures performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specific findings and interventions.

29882CPT Code

Arthroscopy, knee, surgical, with meniscectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for meniscal tears contributing to instability.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report and post-operative care notes.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the type of meniscal tear and surgical technique used.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee conditions, including M25.362, which provides better granularity in capturing the nuances of knee instability and its underlying causes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee conditions, including M25.362, which provides better granularity in capturing the nuances of knee instability and its underlying causes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid denials.

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 are the common causes of knee instability?

Common causes include ligament injuries, meniscal tears, and degenerative changes in the knee joint.

How is knee instability diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging studies such as MRI, and sometimes arthroscopic evaluation.

What procedures are commonly associated with M25.362?

Common procedures include arthroscopy for meniscal repair or ligament reconstruction.