Degenerative Joint Disease ICD-10 Code: A Complete Guide

Degenerative joint disease icd 10 code, often referred to as osteoarthritis, is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in the world. It affects millions of people, especially as they age, and is a leading cause of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. When healthcare providers diagnose DJD, it must be properly documented and coded for insurance, billing, and research purposes. That’s where the ICD-10 code system comes into play.

In this article, we’ll explore what degenerative joint disease is, why coding matters, and provide a clear breakdown of the ICD-10 codes used to classify DJD. By the end, you’ll understand not only the clinical aspects of DJD but also how it’s represented in medical coding.

Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative Joint Disease is a progressive condition where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears away over time. Without this cartilage, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.

While DJD can occur in almost any joint, it most frequently affects:

• Knees

• Hips

• Spine

• Hands

Common Symptoms of DJD

• Persistent joint pain that worsens with activity

• Morning stiffness that improves with movement

• Swelling or tenderness around affected joints

• Limited flexibility and decreased motion

• A grinding or popping sensation in the joint

• Development of bony lumps, known as bone spurs

Why ICD-10 Coding Matters

The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) is the standardized system that healthcare providers use to classify and code diagnoses. For DJD, ICD-10 coding ensures:

Accurate medical records – Providers and specialists can clearly understand a patient’s condition.

Proper billing and insurance claims – Insurers require specific ICD-10 codes to process claims.

Research and statistics – Health systems track DJD cases to understand public health trends.

Quality of care – Precise coding helps ensure patients receive the right treatment plan.

If DJD is not coded correctly, it can lead to claim denials, billing errors, or incomplete medical records.

ICD-10 Codes for Degenerative Joint Disease

In ICD-10, degenerative joint disease is classified under the M15–M19 category, which covers osteoarthritis. These codes provide detailed information about the site, type, and laterality of the condition.

Let’s break it down:

Generalized or Unspecified Osteoarthritis

Sometimes, providers may document simply “DJD” without specifying the location. In such cases, the following codes are used:

• M15.0 – Primary generalized osteoarthritis

• M15.9 – Polyosteoarthritis, unspecified

• M19.90 – Unspecified osteoarthritis, site not specified

• M19.91 – Unspecified osteoarthritis, right site

• M19.92 – Unspecified osteoarthritis, left site

Example: If a provider writes “DJD” without specifying which joint, the default code would be M19.90.

Osteoarthritis of the Hip (M16 codes)

• M16.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of hip

• M16.1 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of hip

• M16.4 – Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of hip

• M16.9 – Osteoarthritis of hip, unspecified

Example: If the documentation states “Primary DJD, right hip,” the correct code would be M16.11.

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

Example: If the patient has “DJD of both knees,” the correct ICD-10 code is M17.0.

Osteoarthritis of the First Carpometacarpal Joint (M18 codes)

• M18.0 – Primary osteoarthritis, bilateral

• M18.1 – Primary osteoarthritis, unilateral

• M18.9 – Osteoarthritis, unspecified

Example: “DJD of thumb joint, left side” → M18.12.

Other and Unspecified Osteoarthritis (M19 codes)

This category covers DJD in other joints, such as the hands, shoulders, or ankles.

• 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 – Osteoarthritis, unspecified site

Example: “DJD in right shoulder” → M19.011.

Importance of Specificity in Coding

One of the biggest challenges in coding DJD is documentation quality. Coders rely heavily on the provider’s notes to assign the most accurate ICD-10 code.

• If the provider only writes “DJD,” coders must use a general or unspecified code.

• If the provider specifies the joint, side, and type (e.g., primary, secondary, or post-traumatic), coders can choose a more precise code.

Example:

• “DJD of right knee” → M17.11

• “Post-traumatic DJD of left hip” → M16.52

Specificity is key not just for insurance but also for patient care and medical research.

Risk Factors for Degenerative Joint Disease

While coding focuses on diagnosis, understanding risk factors helps contextualize DJD:

• Age – Most common in adults over 50.

• Gender – Women are at higher risk, especially after menopause.

• Genetics – Family history can predispose individuals.

• Obesity – Extra weight places strain on weight-bearing joints.

• Injuries – Previous fractures or sports injuries increase risk.

• Repetitive stress – Occupations with repetitive motion can trigger joint degeneration.

Treatment Options for DJD

Though ICD-10 codes focus on diagnosis, they indirectly connect to treatment plans. Management options include:

• Lifestyle modifications – Weight management, low-impact exercise, and diet changes.

• Medications – NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or corticosteroid injections for pain relief.

• Physical therapy – Strengthening and mobility exercises to preserve joint function.

• Assistive devices – Canes, braces, or shoe inserts.

• Surgical interventions – Joint replacement in severe cases.

By linking the right ICD-10 code with treatment, healthcare teams ensure continuity of care.

Documentation Tips for Providers

For coders to assign accurate ICD-10 codes, providers should always document:

Exact joint affected (e.g., right hip, left knee)

Laterality (right, left, or bilateral)

Type of DJD (primary, secondary, or post-traumatic)

Severity or complications (instability, deformity, functional loss)

Clear and detailed documentation reduces claim denials and supports accurate data collection.

Why Accurate Coding Matters

Accurate ICD-10 coding for DJD plays a role in:

• Insurance reimbursement – Ensures claims are processed correctly.

• Medical research – Helps track prevalence and identify trends.

• Quality care – Encourages communication across providers.

• Public health planning – Guides policy on arthritis treatment and prevention.

Conclusion

Degenerative joint disease icd 10 code is not only one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide, but also one of the most impactful on daily life. While treatment focuses on pain management and maintaining mobility, proper ICD-10 coding ensures patients receive accurate diagnoses, insurers process claims correctly, and researchers gain insights into the prevalence of DJD.

By using the right ICD-10 codes from the M15–M19 categories, healthcare providers and coders contribute to a more reliable, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system. In the end, coding is more than just numbers—it’s a vital part of how healthcare works.