The diagnosis code M25.561, as defined within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), specifically refers to pain in the right knee. This code is crucial for medical billing and documentation within the United States healthcare system. It falls under the broader category of “Pain in joint,” providing a more granular classification for right knee pain.
M25.561 is recognized as a billable and specific code, meaning it is valid for claiming reimbursement for medical services and precisely identifies the condition. The code’s 2025 edition became active on October 1, 2024, highlighting the importance of using the most current coding system for accurate medical records and claims. It’s important to note that this is the US-specific version of ICD-10, and international adaptations may have variations.
Several terms are considered approximate synonyms for diagnosis code M25.561, which can aid in understanding and identifying this condition in patient records. These include:
- Right knee joint pain
- Chronic right knee joint pain
- Right knee pain greater than three months
- Bilateral knee pain (when both knees are affected, though M25.561 specifically denotes right knee pain)
- Pain in bilateral knee
- Bilateral knee joint pain
- Bilateral knee joint pain greater than three months
Understanding the context of M25.561 within the ICD-10-CM hierarchy is also beneficial. It is positioned near related codes such as M25.562 for pain in the left knee and M25.569 for pain in unspecified knee, as well as codes for pain in other joints like the hip (M25.55), ankle and foot (M25.57). This close grouping helps healthcare professionals navigate the coding system effectively and select the most appropriate code for a patient’s specific condition.
The code M25.561 has a consistent history within the ICD-10-CM system since its introduction in 2016. There have been no changes to this code from 2016 through the 2025 edition, indicating its stable definition and continued relevance in medical diagnosis coding.
For healthcare providers and medical coders, accurate use of diagnosis codes like M25.561 is essential for proper documentation, billing, and statistical tracking of health conditions. Understanding the nuances of each code ensures accurate representation of patient diagnoses and facilitates effective healthcare management.
