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 CodesM22.3

M22.3

Billable

Other derangements of patella

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M22.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other derangements of patella.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M22.3 refers to various conditions affecting the patella that do not fall under more specific categories. This includes internal derangements such as patellar instability, which can result from ligament injuries or meniscal tears. The patella, or kneecap, plays a crucial role in knee mechanics, and its derangement can lead to pain, swelling, and functional impairment. Common causes include traumatic injuries, overuse, or degenerative changes. Patients may present with symptoms such as knee pain, difficulty in extending the knee, or a sensation of the knee giving way. Diagnosis often involves physical examination, imaging studies like MRI, and sometimes arthroscopic evaluation. Treatment may include conservative management, such as physical therapy, or surgical interventions to stabilize the patella or repair associated injuries. 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

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to derangements
  • Overlap with other knee conditions requiring careful differentiation
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and imaging findings
  • Potential for multiple co-existing knee injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific type of derangement
  • Failure to document associated injuries or conditions
  • Misuse of the code when a more specific code is applicable
  • Lack of imaging or clinical evidence to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee pain, instability, or post-operative follow-ups after patellar surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support the complexity of the case.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing functional assessments, treatment interventions, and patient responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation of patients post-patellar stabilization surgery or those with chronic knee pain.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's functional limitations and progress is crucial for coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M22.3 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M22
  • 3 should be used when the specific type of derangement is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M22.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

29881CPT Code

Arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing an arthroscopic evaluation of the knee for suspected patellar derangement.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, findings, and any interventions performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that the procedure aligns with the diagnosis for proper billing.

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 M22.3, which helps in capturing the complexity of patellar derangements and improving reimbursement accuracy.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee conditions, including M22.3, which helps in capturing the complexity of patellar derangements and improving reimbursement accuracy.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement accuracy.

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 patellar derangements?

Common causes include traumatic injuries, overuse, degenerative changes, and congenital abnormalities affecting the patella's stability.

How do I differentiate between M22.3 and more specific codes?

M22.3 should be used when the specific type of derangement is not classified elsewhere. If a more specific code applies, it should be used instead.