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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM23.002

M23.002

Billable

Cystic meniscus, unspecified lateral meniscus, unspecified knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M23.002 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cystic meniscus, unspecified lateral meniscus, unspecified 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. This condition often arises due to degeneration or injury, leading to the formation of a cyst that can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the knee. The unspecified lateral meniscus indicates that the cyst is located in the lateral compartment of the knee, but the exact nature of the cyst (e.g., whether it is a meniscal tear or a degenerative change) is not specified. Patients may present with symptoms such as joint locking, clicking, or a sensation of instability. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI, which can reveal the presence of cysts and associated meniscal tears. Treatment options may include conservative management with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical intervention such as arthroscopy to remove the cyst or repair the meniscus if necessary.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and symptoms of meniscal cysts
  • Need for precise documentation of imaging findings
  • Differentiation from other knee pathologies such as ligament injuries
  • Potential for co-existing conditions complicating the diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cyst's characteristics
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or functional limitations
  • Lack of clarity on imaging results
  • Inconsistent coding of co-existing knee conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes, and pre/post-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms requiring surgical evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all findings from arthroscopic procedures are documented to support the diagnosis.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing conservative management for knee pain due to meniscal cysts.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the impact of the condition on daily activities and rehabilitation progress.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M23.002 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M23
  • 002 should be used when a cystic lesion in the lateral meniscus is identified without further specification
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M23.002 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 a cystic meniscus is surgically treated.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like cystic meniscus, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This code reflects the need for precise documentation to support the diagnosis and treatment provided.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like cystic meniscus, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This code reflects the need for precise documentation to support the diagnosis and treatment provided.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like cystic meniscus, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This code reflects the need for precise documentation to support the diagnosis and treatment provided.

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 primary treatment for cystic meniscus?

Treatment may vary from conservative management, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, to surgical options such as arthroscopy for cyst removal or meniscal repair, depending on the severity of symptoms and associated injuries.