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 CodesM67.361

M67.361

Billable

Transient synovitis, right knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M67.361 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of transient synovitis, right knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Transient synovitis of the knee is a self-limiting inflammatory condition affecting the synovial membrane of the knee joint, primarily seen in children. It is characterized by acute onset of knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. The etiology is often idiopathic, but it may follow a viral infection or trauma. Clinically, patients present with a limp and may exhibit tenderness over the joint. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, which can reveal effusion and synovial thickening. Treatment is conservative, focusing on rest, analgesics, and physical therapy, with most cases resolving within a few weeks. However, it is crucial to differentiate transient synovitis from septic arthritis, as the latter requires urgent intervention. Understanding the nuances of this condition is essential for accurate coding and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from septic arthritis
  • Variability in clinical presentation
  • Potential for misdiagnosis with other knee conditions
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document the duration of symptoms
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record
  • Misclassification of the condition as septic arthritis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of present illness, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children presenting with knee pain and limping after a viral illness.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of differential diagnoses such as septic arthritis and osteomyelitis.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Imaging results, surgical notes if applicable, and follow-up assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Athletes with knee pain and swelling post-injury.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of any surgical interventions or referrals to physical therapy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M67.361 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding synovial disorders, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's duration and treatment
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M67.361 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration of knee joint

Clinical Scenario

Used when joint effusion is present and needs to be drained.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for aspiration and findings during the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists often perform this procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of transient synovitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of transient synovitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 transient synovitis?

The primary treatment is conservative management, including rest, analgesics, and physical therapy, with most cases resolving spontaneously.