The M17.12 Diagnosis Code is a crucial part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system. Specifically, M17.12 is used to classify Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left knee. This code is essential for medical billing, electronic health records, and tracking health statistics within the United States and other countries that utilize the ICD-10-CM system.
Understanding the M17.12 diagnosis code for unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left knee, a standard medical classification in the US.
M17.12 falls under the broader category of M17, which encompasses osteoarthritis of the knee. Within M17, codes are further specified to indicate whether the osteoarthritis is primary or secondary, bilateral or unilateral, and which knee is affected. The “.12” extension in m17.12 diagnosis code distinctly points to primary osteoarthritis affecting only the left knee. “Primary” osteoarthritis implies that the condition arises spontaneously, typically due to aging and wear-and-tear, rather than as a result of injury or another underlying disease. “Unilateral” specifies that only one knee is affected, in this case, the left knee.
For healthcare providers and medical coding professionals, the m17.12 diagnosis code is a billable and specific code. This means it’s precise enough for reimbursement purposes and accurately reflects a diagnosed condition. Since October 1, 2015, using ICD-10-CM codes like M17.12 has been mandatory for services rendered in the US. The code has remained consistent through annual updates, with the 2025 edition, effective October 1, 2024, still listing M17.12 without changes, highlighting its continued relevance in medical classifications.
Synonyms commonly associated with m17.12 diagnosis code 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
These terms all describe the same condition captured by the m17.12 diagnosis code, ensuring clarity and consistency in medical documentation and communication. Understanding the nuances of ICD-10-CM codes like M17.12 is vital for accurate diagnosis coding, claim processing, and ultimately, effective healthcare management.
