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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM22.92

M22.92

Billable

Unspecified disorder of patella, left knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M22.92 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified disorder of patella, left knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The unspecified disorder of the patella in the left knee encompasses a range of conditions affecting the kneecap, which may include internal derangements, meniscal tears, ligament injuries, and other pathologies. Patients may present with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and instability in the knee joint. The patella plays a crucial role in knee mechanics, and disorders can arise from acute injuries, chronic overuse, or degenerative changes. Internal derangements may involve the displacement of the patella, leading to patellar tracking issues, while meniscal tears can occur due to sudden twisting motions or degeneration. Ligament injuries, particularly to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL), can also contribute to patellar disorders. Arthroscopic procedures are often employed for diagnosis and treatment, allowing for direct visualization and intervention within the knee joint. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the patient's clinical presentation and the specific nature of the disorder, as treatment options may vary significantly based on the underlying pathology.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for detailed documentation to specify the nature of the disorder
  • Potential overlap with other knee conditions requiring differentiation
  • Variability in treatment approaches and procedures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the specific disorder
  • Failure to link the diagnosis with the appropriate treatment
  • Inconsistent use of laterality in documentation
  • Lack of clarity regarding the patient's symptoms and functional limitations

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee pain, instability, or swelling following trauma or chronic overuse.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies and diagnostic tests are documented to support the diagnosis.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of functional limitations and rehabilitation goals.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-surgery or those with chronic knee pain requiring conservative management.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's progress and response to therapy to justify ongoing treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M22.92 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include laterality and specify the nature of the disorder when possible

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M22.92 When
  • Exclude conditions that are more specific or 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 arthroscopy to evaluate patellar disorders.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the procedure and findings during the arthroscopy.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the procedure is justified based on clinical findings.

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 laterality, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and billing. M22.92 provides a means to capture unspecified patellar disorders while still requiring careful documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee disorders, including laterality, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and billing. M22.92 provides a means to capture unspecified patellar disorders while still requiring careful documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing. M22.92 provides a means to capture unspecified patellar disorders while still requiring careful documentation.

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 should I document to support the use of M22.92?

Document the patient's symptoms, clinical findings, imaging results, and any treatments provided. Ensure that laterality is specified and that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the treatment.