There are many different ICD-9-CM codes to enter on the insurance billing for osteoarthritis, which differ slightly depending on the part of the body affected by the condition. All osteoarthritis afflictions are categorised within the 715 family, in which 715.09 is for generalised osteoarthritis on multiple parts of the body.
The specific code needed for localised osteoarthritis of the knee is 715.16. Entering this on your insurance form will ensure you are covered for the correct injury and will reduce any delays in your claim. There are variations of this code depending on whether a cause is known, primary if there is no known cause or secondary if the osteoarthritis is due to an external or internal injury or disease. In these cases 715.16 is the code for an unknown cause, while 715.26 is for secondary osteoarthritis.
An unspecified code exists in the ICD system for cases where it cannot be decided if the osteoarthritis is localised or generalised. This code, however, is strongly encouraged not to be used on any form for claiming insurance or reimbursement as more often than not a more specific diagnosis is required.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and is a chronic joint disorder caused by the wearing away of cartilage covering the ends of the bones. The bones begin to rub away, causing chronic pain, stiffness and a general decrease in a person’s mobility. Other names for the condition are: Degenerative arthritis, hypertrophic arthritis, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthrosis. If your diagnosis is for any of the common names of osteoarthritis the same code still stands.
The condition is usually diagnosed via a physical examination followed by an x-ray of the affected area for confirmation. There is no way currently of reversing or curing the condition, although painkillers help with the symptoms.
The specific code needed for localised osteoarthritis of the knee is 715.16. Entering this on your insurance form will ensure you are covered for the correct injury and will reduce any delays in your claim. There are variations of this code depending on whether a cause is known, primary if there is no known cause or secondary if the osteoarthritis is due to an external or internal injury or disease. In these cases 715.16 is the code for an unknown cause, while 715.26 is for secondary osteoarthritis.
An unspecified code exists in the ICD system for cases where it cannot be decided if the osteoarthritis is localised or generalised. This code, however, is strongly encouraged not to be used on any form for claiming insurance or reimbursement as more often than not a more specific diagnosis is required.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and is a chronic joint disorder caused by the wearing away of cartilage covering the ends of the bones. The bones begin to rub away, causing chronic pain, stiffness and a general decrease in a person’s mobility. Other names for the condition are: Degenerative arthritis, hypertrophic arthritis, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthrosis. If your diagnosis is for any of the common names of osteoarthritis the same code still stands.
The condition is usually diagnosed via a physical examination followed by an x-ray of the affected area for confirmation. There is no way currently of reversing or curing the condition, although painkillers help with the symptoms.
