The M17 12 Diagnosis Code, officially known as ICD-10-CM code M17.12, is a critical component in medical coding and billing. It specifically designates Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left knee. This code is used by healthcare professionals to document and classify diagnoses related to osteoarthritis affecting primarily the left knee joint. Understanding this code is essential for accurate medical records, insurance claims, and healthcare data analysis.
M17.12 is categorized as a billable/specific code, meaning it is precise enough to be used for reimbursement purposes. This is significant in healthcare administration, ensuring that medical services are appropriately coded for insurance processing and claims. The code’s effectiveness date is October 1, 2015, with the most recent updates reflecting the 2025 ICD-10-CM guidelines which became effective on October 1, 2024. It’s important to note that M17.12 is the American ICD-10-CM version, and international versions might have variations.
To ensure comprehensive coding, M17.12 is often considered alongside other related codes. These codes may contain annotations that provide further context or instructions, such as “Code Also,” “Code First,” or “Excludes” notes. These annotations help coders select the most accurate and complete code set for a patient’s condition.
Several synonyms are associated with the M17.12 diagnosis code, which can aid in understanding and identifying this condition in medical records. These approximate synonyms include:
- Arthritis of left knee
- Osteoarthritis of left knee
- Osteoarthritis of left knee patellofemoral joint
- Osteoarthritis of left patellofemoral joints
- Primary localized osteoarthritis of left knee
- Primary osteoarthritis of left knee
The ICD-10-CM code M17.12 falls within specific Diagnostic Related Groups (MS-DRG v42.0), which are used for classifying hospital cases and determining payment. Furthermore, examining the code history of M17.12 reveals its consistent use since its introduction in 2016, with no changes through the 2025 update. This stability indicates its established role in the medical coding system.
For broader context, it’s helpful to look at ICD-10-CM codes adjacent to M17.12. These include codes for osteoarthritis in other locations and of different types, such as:
- M17.11 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee
- M17.2 – Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee
- M17.32 – Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left knee
In conclusion, the M17 12 diagnosis code is a vital tool for accurately classifying and documenting unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left knee. Its specific nature, established history, and clear synonyms make it essential for healthcare professionals involved in diagnosis, medical coding, and billing processes. Correct utilization of M17.12 ensures proper reimbursement and contributes to reliable healthcare data.
