ICD 10 DJD typically falls under M15 to M19 in the ICD-10 coding system, depending on the affected joint(s) and the nature of the condition (primary, secondary, post-traumatic, etc.). Below are the most commonly used codes for DJD:

1. M15 – Polyosteoarthritis (Generalized Osteoarthritis)

Used when multiple joints are affected by osteoarthritis, either due to aging (primary) or another underlying condition (secondary).

  • M15.0 – Primary generalized osteoarthritis (multiple joints affected without an underlying condition).

  • M15.1 – Secondary generalized osteoarthritis (caused by a secondary factor such as trauma, infection, or other underlying diseases).

  • M15.8 – Other specified generalized osteoarthritis (e.g., a form of osteoarthritis that does not fall under primary or secondary categories).

  • M15.9 – Generalized osteoarthritis, unspecified (when the type or cause is not specified).

2. M16 – Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Refers to ICD 10 DJD affecting the hip joint.

  • M16.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the hip.

  • M16.1 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the hip.

  • M16.2 – Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the hip.

  • M16.3 – Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the hip.

  • M16.9 – Osteoarthritis of the hip, unspecified.

3. M17 – Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This category is used for DJD affecting the knee joint, which is one of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis.

  • M17.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee.

  • M17.1 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee.

  • M17.2 – Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee.

  • M17.3 – Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee.

  • M17.9 – Osteoarthritis of the knee, unspecified.

4. M18 – Osteoarthritis of the First Carpometacarpal Joint (Hand)

This code is used when DJD affects the first carpometacarpal joint (the base of the thumb).

  • M18.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint.

  • M18.1 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint.

  • M18.2 – Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint.

  • M18.3 – Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint.

5. M19 – Other and Unspecified Osteoarthritis

This category is used when the osteoarthritis affects joints that are not otherwise classified, or when no specific joint is identified.

  • M19.0 – Primary osteoarthritis of unspecified site.

  • M19.1 – Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of unspecified site.

  • M19.2 – Secondary osteoarthritis of unspecified site.

  • M19.9 – Osteoarthritis, unspecified.

6. M47 – Spondylosis (Degenerative Disease of the Spine)

While spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis) is distinct from peripheral joint osteoarthritis, it is another form of degenerative joint disease affecting the spine.

  • M47.0 – Spondylosis with myelopathy (spinal degeneration with spinal cord involvement).

  • M47.9 – Spondylosis, unspecified (degeneration of the spine without specifying the type).

7. M50 – Cervical Disc Disorders

Used when degenerative changes affect the cervical spine, which can be associated with osteoarthritis and can cause neck pain.

  • M50.3 – Cervical disc degeneration, including facet joint involvement.

Important Considerations for DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease) ICD-10 Coding:

  1. Primary vs. Secondary DJD:

    • Primary DJD is the most common type and occurs due to aging and wear-and-tear of the joints.

    • Secondary DJD is caused by another underlying condition, such as trauma, infection, metabolic diseases, or congenital joint deformities.

  2. Bilateral vs. Unilateral DJD:

    • Make sure to indicate if DJD affects one joint (unilateral) or both joints (bilateral), especially for common joints like knees and hips.

  3. Specify the Joint(s):

    • It's essential to document the specific joint(s) affected. Commonly affected joints include the knee, hip, hand, and spine. Each joint has a separate code for DJD in the ICD-10 system.

  4. Include Deformities or Additional Symptoms:

    • If deformities (e.g., joint deformities in OA), pain, or other complications are present, these should be added as secondary diagnoses or additional codes.

Example ICD-10 Codes for DJD:

  1. Patient: A 70-year-old woman with primary osteoarthritis affecting both knees.

    • ICD-10 Code: M17.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee.

  2. Patient: A 60-year-old man with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the left hip due to a previous fall.

    • ICD-10 Code: M16.3 – Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the left hip.

  3. Patient: A 55-year-old woman with generalized osteoarthritis affecting multiple joints.

    • ICD-10 Code: M15.0 – Primary generalized osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

ICD 10 DJD is most commonly referred to as Osteoarthritis in the ICD-10 coding system. It is categorized under M15-M19, with various codes based on the joints affected (e.g., knee, hip, hand), the severity (primary, secondary, post-traumatic), and whether the condition is unilateral or bilateral. Accurate coding ensures proper diagnosis, treatment, and reimbursement, making it essential to specify the affected joint(s) and any complications or underlying causes.