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 CodesM22.91

M22.91

Billable

Unspecified disorder of patella, right knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M22.91 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified disorder of patella, right knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The unspecified disorder of the patella in the right knee encompasses a range of conditions affecting the kneecap, which may include internal derangements, meniscal tears, ligament injuries, and other pathologies. The patella, or kneecap, plays a crucial role in knee mechanics, providing leverage for the quadriceps muscle and protecting the knee joint. Disorders can arise from acute injuries, chronic overuse, or degenerative changes. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and instability in the knee, which can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and sometimes arthroscopic evaluation. Treatment options vary widely, from conservative management with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to surgical interventions like arthroscopy for debridement or repair of meniscal tears and ligament reconstruction. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for detailed documentation to specify the nature of the disorder
  • Potential overlap with other knee conditions requiring careful differentiation
  • Variability in treatment approaches and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the specific disorder
  • Inconsistent coding with clinical findings
  • Lack of imaging or diagnostic reports to support the diagnosis
  • Failure to document treatment plans or outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pre- and post-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee pain, instability, or prior knee surgeries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the specific nature of the patellar disorder and any associated injuries.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post knee surgery or with chronic knee pain.

Billing Considerations

Document functional limitations and response to therapy to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M22.91 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific disorder of the patella is not documented
  • Include any relevant clinical findings and diagnostic tests to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M22.91 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 the physician performs an arthroscopy to evaluate the patellar disorder.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and procedures performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the procedure performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of knee disorders, including the ability to specify laterality and the nature of the disorder. M22.91 reflects a need for careful documentation to ensure accurate representation of the patient's condition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of knee disorders, including the ability to specify laterality and the nature of the disorder. M22.91 reflects a need for careful documentation to ensure accurate representation of the patient's condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of knee disorders, including the ability to specify laterality and the nature of the disorder. M22.91 reflects a need for careful documentation to ensure accurate representation of the patient's condition.

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

When should M22.91 be used?

M22.91 should be used when there is an unspecified disorder of the patella in the right knee, and no more specific diagnosis is available. Ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.