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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM22.10

M22.10

Billable

Recurrent subluxation of patella, unspecified knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M22.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of recurrent subluxation of patella, unspecified knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Recurrent subluxation of the patella is a condition characterized by the intermittent displacement of the kneecap (patella) from its normal position in the knee joint. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, and instability in the knee, often resulting from underlying issues such as ligamentous laxity, muscle imbalances, or previous injuries. Patients may experience episodes of the patella slipping out of place, which can occur during activities such as walking, running, or squatting. The condition is often associated with internal derangements of the knee, including meniscal tears and ligament injuries, which may exacerbate the instability. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as MRI, and sometimes arthroscopic evaluation to assess the integrity of the ligaments and menisci. Treatment options may include physical therapy, bracing, and in some cases, surgical intervention to stabilize the patella and address any associated injuries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for detailed documentation of recurrent episodes
  • Potential association with other knee injuries (e.g., meniscal tears, ligament injuries)
  • Differentiation from other knee conditions (e.g., patellar dislocation)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of recurrent episodes
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., meniscal tears)
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis
  • Misclassification of the condition as a simple dislocation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of knee symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee pain and instability, particularly athletes or active individuals.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should clearly outline the frequency and severity of subluxation episodes and any associated injuries.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of knee function, strength, and stability, along with treatment progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation for patellar instability or after surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Therapists should document specific exercises and their impact on knee stability.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M22.10 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M22
  • 10 should be used when the specific knee affected is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and imaging studies
  • It is important to differentiate this code from other knee
  • related codes that may indicate more severe conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M22.10 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 assessing the knee for internal derangements associated with recurrent subluxation.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for arthroscopy, findings, and any procedures performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the procedure is clearly linked to the diagnosis of recurrent subluxation.

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, including recurrent subluxation of the patella. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation in treatment.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee conditions, including recurrent subluxation of the patella. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation in treatment.

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 is the difference between recurrent subluxation and dislocation of the patella?

Recurrent subluxation refers to the intermittent displacement of the patella that may reduce spontaneously, while dislocation involves a complete displacement that typically requires manual reduction or surgical intervention.