M17.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee

M17.0 diagnosis code: Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee

M17.0 is the specific ICD-10-CM code for primary osteoarthritis that affects both right and left knee. In 'primary' osteoarthritis, the degenerative 'wear-and-tear' process occurs typically after middle age, without any known clear precipitating cause. Bilateral denotes that both knees are affected by this condition. This ICD-10 CM code is under the range M00-M99 which refers to diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, specifically under osteoarthritis.

Is M17.0 billable?

M17.0 is a billable code.

Clinical information

• Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of joint cartilage. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a 'cushion' between the bones of the joints. This condition is often associated with aging, but genetic factors, obesity, and prior joint injuries may also play a role.
• Key symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain in the knee(s) that worsens with activity, stiffness in the joint(s), and loss of flexibility. Decreased mobility may occur as the disease progresses.
• In bilateral primary osteoarthritis, the patient may also experience a grating or crackling sound when moving either left and right knee(s); in severe cases, the knees may become swollen.
• Diagnosis is typically confirmed through patient symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs.
• Treatment is generally focused on managing pain and improving function. It can include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications (such as weight loss and exercise), and surgery may be considered in severe cases.

Synonyms include

• Arthritis of bilateral knees
• Bilateral arthritis of knees
• Osteoarthritis of bilateral knee patellofemoral joints
• Osteoarthritis of bilateral knees
• Osteoarthritis of bilateral patellofemoral joints
• Osteoarthritis of both knees
• Primary osteoarthritis of both knees

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for osteoarthritis

• M17.1 - Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee
• M17.2 - Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee
• M17.3 - Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee
• M17.4 - Other bilateral secondary osteoarthritis of knee
• M17.5 - Other unilateral secondary osteoarthritis of knee
• M17.9 - Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified
• M18.0 - Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint
• M18.1 - Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint
• M18.2 - Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint
• M18.3 - Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint
• M19.90:  Unspecified osteoarthritis, unspecified site