Osteoarthritis ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 codes are used for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common type of arthritis and happens when joints slowly break down over time.

Knowing the related ICD codes for osteoarthritis is important for accurate diagnosis, proper documentation, and insurance billing. It helps you communicate clearly and ensures patients receive the right treatment and coverage.

Here are some of the commonly used ICD-10 codes for osteoarthritis:

• M15.0: Primary generalized (osteo)arthritis
• M16.9: Osteoarthritis of hip, unspecified
• M17.2: Bilateral 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
• M18.9: Osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint, unspecified
• M19.011: Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder
• M19.271: Secondary osteoarthritis, right ankle and foot
• M19.272: Secondary osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot
• M19.279: Secondary osteoarthritis, unspecified ankle and foot
• M19.90: Osteoarthritis, unspecified site
• M19.91: Primary osteoarthritis, unspecified site
• M19.92: Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, unspecified site

Which osteoarthritis ICD codes are billable?

The ICD-10-CM codes for osteoarthritis listed above are all billable.

Clinical information

• Osteoarthritis is not just “wear and tear” from aging. It can impact bones, cartilage, and surrounding joint tissue, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement.
• Osteoarthritis can appear in two forms: primary, which has no known cause and is often age-related, and secondary, which develops due to another condition like injury, infection, or joint deformity.
• OA usually shows up in the knees, hips, hands, lower back, or neck, and while it’s more common in people over 50, it can affect younger individuals too, especially after injuries.
• Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, clicking sounds, and sometimes weakness or instability, and they tend to creep in gradually rather than appear all at once.
• There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but medications, exercise, weight loss, physical therapy, and assistive devices can help manage pain and improve mobility.
• Medications range from over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to prescription drugs and joint injections, while non-drug therapies like strength training, stretching, and balance exercises are key to easing symptoms. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be recommended to restore movement and reduce pain, especially in the hips or knees.
• For more information on managing osteoarthritis, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases provides detailed resources on treatments, therapies, and ongoing research.

Synonyms include

• Degenerative joint disease
• OA
• Osteoarthrosis
• Hypertrophic osteoarthritis
• Osteoarthritic