Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) and ICD-10 Code

DJD ICD 10 also known as osteoarthritis, is one of the most common chronic musculoskeletal conditions in the world. It affects millions of people, particularly older adults, and is a leading cause of pain, stiffness, and disability. For healthcare providers, documenting and coding DJD correctly is critical not just for patient care, but also for insurance claims, research, and long-term treatment planning.

In the medical field, conditions like DJD are classified using the ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) coding system. This coding structure allows healthcare professionals to communicate diagnoses consistently across hospitals, clinics, and insurance providers. Since DJD is a frequent diagnosis, its ICD-10 codes are among the most commonly used in orthopedic and primary care settings.

This article takes a detailed look at DJD, its symptoms, why proper ICD-10 coding matters, and how to choose the correct code for specific cases.

What Is Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)?

DJD is a type of arthritis that develops when the cartilage protecting the ends of bones begins to break down. Cartilage is a smooth, cushioning tissue that allows bones to glide against each other without friction. As it wears away, bones may rub together, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility.

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by an autoimmune process, DJD is largely wear-and-tear related. It may occur in just one joint or in multiple joints at the same time.

Common Symptoms of DJD

• Joint pain during or after movement

• Stiffness after periods of rest, especially in the morning

• Loss of flexibility and reduced range of motion

• Joint swelling caused by inflammation

• Bone spurs or a grating sensation when using the joint

For many patients, DJD progresses slowly, but over time it can become severely limiting. Knees, hips, and the spine are among the most affected joints, but the disease can also impact smaller joints in the hands and feet.

Risk Factors for DJD

While DJD can develop in anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood:

Age – Risk rises significantly after age 50.

Genetics – Family history of osteoarthritis increases susceptibility.

Obesity – Excess weight puts pressure on joints, especially knees and hips.

Previous injuries – Old fractures or joint injuries accelerate cartilage damage.

Repetitive stress – Jobs or activities involving repetitive motions increase risk.

Gender – Women are more likely than men to develop DJD, particularly after menopause.

Because of its prevalence, DJD is a frequent entry in medical records and must be coded accurately to reflect each patient’s condition.

Why ICD-10 Coding Matters

The ICD-10-CM system provides standardized diagnostic codes used in the United States for billing, treatment tracking, and healthcare research. For DJD, precise coding has several benefits:

• Insurance reimbursement – Insurance companies rely on ICD-10 codes to process claims. A vague code could lead to denials or delays in payment.

• Accurate patient records – Specific codes ensure providers know exactly which joint is affected and how severe the condition is.

• Epidemiological tracking – Public health researchers use ICD-10 data to measure the prevalence of osteoarthritis and its impact on healthcare systems.

• Treatment planning – Correct codes guide appropriate interventions, including medication, therapy, and surgery.

For these reasons, choosing the right ICD-10 code is essential.

ICD-10 Codes for DJD (Osteoarthritis)

DJD is classified under M15–M19 codes in ICD-10-CM. These categories include generalized osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis of specific joints, and unspecified osteoarthritis.

Here is a breakdown of commonly used codes:

Generalized and Unspecified Osteoarthritis

M15.0 – Primary generalized osteoarthritis

M15.9 – Polyosteoarthritis, unspecified

M19.90 – Unspecified osteoarthritis, unspecified site

M19.91 – Unspecified osteoarthritis, right site

M19.92 – Unspecified osteoarthritis, left site

Osteoarthritis of the Hip (M16 codes)

M16.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of hip

M16.1 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of hip

M16.4 – Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of hip

M16.9 – Osteoarthritis of hip, unspecified

Osteoarthritis of the Knee (M17 codes)

M17.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee

M17.1 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee

M17.2 – Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee

M17.9 – Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified

Osteoarthritis of the First Carpometacarpal Joint (Thumb Joint) (M18 codes)

M18.0 – Primary osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint, bilateral

M18.1 – Primary osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint, unilateral

M18.9 – Osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint, unspecified

Other and Unspecified Osteoarthritis (M19 codes)

M19.011 – Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder

M19.012 – Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder

M19.041 – Primary osteoarthritis, right hand

M19.042 – Primary osteoarthritis, left hand

M19.90 – Unspecified osteoarthritis, unspecified site

Examples of Coding in Practice

To understand how coding works, let’s look at a few scenarios:

This highlights the importance of detailed physician documentation. The more information recorded, the more accurate the ICD-10 code.

Documentation Tips for Providers

To support coders and ensure accurate billing, healthcare providers should document:

The affected joint(s) – Specify hip, knee, shoulder, spine, hand, etc.

Laterality – Indicate if it’s left, right, or bilateral.

Type – State whether it is primary, secondary, or post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Severity – If possible, describe if it is mild, moderate, or advanced.

Complications – Include whether bone spurs, deformities, or functional loss are present.

Challenges in DJD Coding

While ICD-10 offers detailed categories, coding DJD still comes with challenges:

• Non-specific documentation – Many times, providers just note “DJD” without clarifying the site or laterality.

• Overlap with other conditions – Patients may have rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or injuries that complicate diagnosis.

• Multiple joint involvement – Coders must determine whether to code for generalized osteoarthritis (M15.0) or list each joint separately.

Addressing these challenges requires better communication between physicians and coding teams.

The Bigger Picture: DJD and Public Health

Accurate DJD coding does more than ensure reimbursement—it plays a role in public health data collection. Governments and researchers use ICD-10 codes to:

• Track the prevalence of osteoarthritis in aging populations

• Monitor trends related to obesity and joint disease

• Allocate resources for orthopedic care, joint replacement surgeries, and rehabilitation programs

With DJD being a leading cause of disability worldwide, coding accuracy directly impacts healthcare policy and patient outcomes.

Final Thoughts

DJD ICD 10, or osteoarthritis, is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions, especially among older adults. While it may seem routine, accurate diagnosis and coding are vital.

The ICD-10-CM system provides detailed options under the M15–M19 categories, allowing coders to capture whether DJD affects the hip, knee, hand, or another site, and whether it is unilateral, bilateral, or post-traumatic. However, when documentation is vague, coders must default to general codes like M19.90, which may not fully reflect the patient’s condition.

By encouraging clear documentation and selecting precise codes, healthcare providers ensure:

• Patients receive accurate and timely treatment

• Insurance claims are processed smoothly

• Researchers have reliable data to improve public health strategies

In short, DJD coding isn’t just about numbers—it’s about delivering better care and ensuring that a common yet disabling condition is managed properly at every level of the healthcare system.