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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM22.8

M22.8

Billable

Other disorders of patella

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M22.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other disorders of patella.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M22.8 encompasses a variety of conditions affecting the patella that do not fall under more specific categories. These disorders can include internal derangements such as patellar instability, which may result from ligament injuries or meniscal tears. The patella, or kneecap, plays a crucial role in knee mechanics, and any disorder can lead to pain, dysfunction, and decreased mobility. Common presentations include chondromalacia patellae, where the cartilage under the kneecap softens, and patellar tendinopathy, which involves inflammation or degeneration of the patellar tendon. These conditions may arise from overuse, trauma, or anatomical abnormalities. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies like MRI, and sometimes arthroscopic procedures to visualize and treat the underlying issues. Treatment may include physical therapy, bracing, or surgical intervention, depending on the severity and nature of the disorder. 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 conditions that can be coded under M22.8
  • Need for precise documentation to differentiate between types of patellar disorders
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other knee disorders
  • Variability in treatment approaches that may affect coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific disorder
  • Failure to link the diagnosis to the treatment provided
  • Misclassification of the disorder due to overlapping symptoms
  • Lack of imaging or clinical evidence to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes, imaging results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee pain, instability, or previous knee injuries.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that all surgical interventions are well-documented to support the diagnosis.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing patient assessments, treatment modalities, and outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Physical therapists should document functional limitations and response to therapy to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M22.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M22
  • 8 should be used when the specific disorder of the patella is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and imaging studies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M22.8 When
  • Exclusion criteria include specific conditions 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 when performing a diagnostic arthroscopy for patellar disorders.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that all findings are clearly documented to support the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee disorders, including those affecting the patella. M22.8 provides a broader category for conditions that may not have been adequately captured in ICD-9, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee disorders, including those affecting the patella. M22.8 provides a broader category for conditions that may not have been adequately captured in ICD-9, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 types of conditions are included under M22.8?

M22.8 includes various disorders of the patella such as patellar tendinopathy, chondromalacia patellae, and patellar instability, among others.

How do I determine if M22.8 is the correct code?

M22.8 should be used when the specific disorder of the patella is not classified elsewhere. Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis.