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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM23.000

M23.000

Billable

Cystic meniscus, unspecified lateral meniscus, right knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M23.000 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cystic meniscus, unspecified lateral meniscus, right knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cystic meniscus refers to the presence of a cystic lesion within the meniscus, which is a crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a cushion and stabilizer. In this case, the cyst is located in the lateral meniscus of the right knee. This condition can arise from degenerative changes, trauma, or as a result of a meniscal tear. Patients may present with symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. The cyst may be associated with internal derangements of the knee, including meniscal tears or ligament injuries. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI, which can reveal the presence of a cyst and any associated meniscal pathology. Treatment options may include conservative management, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical intervention, such as arthroscopic meniscectomy or meniscus repair, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the extent of the meniscal damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and symptoms of cystic meniscus
  • Differentiation from other knee pathologies such as ligament injuries
  • Need for precise documentation of imaging findings
  • Potential for concurrent meniscal tears or other knee injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cyst's characteristics
  • Failure to document associated conditions or injuries
  • Misclassification of the meniscus type (medial vs. lateral)
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee pain and swelling, often after sports injuries or degenerative changes.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity in documenting the type of meniscal injury and any associated procedures performed.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-meniscal surgery or those with chronic knee pain.

Billing Considerations

Document functional limitations and response to conservative treatments.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M23.000 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding musculoskeletal disorders
  • Ensure accurate documentation of the condition, including the specific meniscus involved and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M23.000 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

29881CPT Code

Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy, medial or lateral

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing arthroscopic surgery on a patient with a cystic meniscus.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure accurate coding based on the specific meniscus treated.

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, improving the ability to capture the nuances of meniscal injuries and cystic lesions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee conditions, improving the ability to capture the nuances of meniscal injuries and cystic lesions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee conditions, improving the ability to capture the nuances of meniscal injuries and cystic lesions.

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 is the difference between a cystic meniscus and a meniscal tear?

A cystic meniscus refers to a fluid-filled lesion within the meniscus, while a meniscal tear indicates a disruption in the meniscal cartilage. Both conditions can cause knee pain and may require different treatment approaches.