Degenerative joint disease icd 10 code, more commonly known as osteoarthritis (OA), is the most prevalent joint disorder worldwide. It is a chronic, progressive condition caused by the breakdown of articular cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. DJD affects millions of people, particularly older adults, and is a major cause of disability and reduced quality of life.
For healthcare providers and medical coders, accurate ICD-10 coding of DJD is essential. Correct coding ensures appropriate reimbursement, supports clinical documentation, aids research, and improves healthcare data accuracy. This guide provides an in-depth overview of DJD, its classification in ICD-10, coding rules, examples, and FAQs to support precise clinical coding.
Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease
DJD is a wear-and-tear condition of the joints. Over time, the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears away. As a result, bones rub together, causing:
Pain (worsens with activity)
Joint stiffness (especially after rest)
Swelling and tenderness
Reduced range of motion
Grinding or crackling sound in joints
Commonly affected joints:
Knees (most frequent site)
Hips
Hands and fingers
Spine (cervical and lumbar)
Shoulders
Risk Factors for DJD
Age – most common in people over 50
Gender – women are more affected than men
Obesity – adds stress to weight-bearing joints
Previous injuries – fractures or ligament damage increase risk
Genetics – hereditary factors play a role
Repetitive stress – occupational or sports-related joint overuse
Comorbidities – diabetes, gout, or bone deformities
DJD vs. Osteoarthritis: Are They the Same?
Yes. In medical practice, DJD and osteoarthritis are interchangeable terms. DJD is simply another way to describe the degenerative process that defines osteoarthritis. Both are coded under the same ICD-10 category M15–M19.
ICD-10 Codes for Degenerative Joint Disease
The ICD-10-CM system classifies DJD/osteoarthritis by location, laterality, and type. The main categories are:
M15 – Polyosteoarthritis (Multiple Joints)
M15.0 – Primary generalized osteoarthritis
M15.9 – Polyosteoarthritis, unspecified
M16 – Osteoarthritis of the Hip
M16.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of hip
M16.11 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right hip
M16.12 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left hip
M16.9 – Osteoarthritis of hip, unspecified
M17 – Osteoarthritis of the Knee
M17.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee
M17.11 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee
M17.12 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left knee
M17.9 – Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified
M18 – Osteoarthritis of the First Carpometacarpal Joint (Thumb Base)
M18.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joints
M18.11 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right hand
M18.12 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left hand
M18.9 – Osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint, unspecified
M19 – Other and Unspecified Osteoarthritis
M19.011 – Primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder
M19.012 – Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder
M19.90 – Unspecified osteoarthritis, unspecified site
Coding Guidelines for DJD
To correctly assign ICD-10 codes for DJD:
Identify the joint involved – hip, knee, hand, spine, or shoulder.
Specify laterality – right, left, bilateral.
Determine the type – primary, secondary, or post-traumatic.
Avoid unspecified codes unless details are missing.
Assign multiple codes if multiple joints are affected.
Practical Coding Examples
Example 1
Clinical note: A 65-year-old female with bilateral knee DJD.
ICD-10 Code: M17.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee
Example 2
Clinical note: A 72-year-old male with DJD in right hip and left knee.
ICD-10 Codes: M16.11 (Right hip) + M17.12 (Left knee)
Example 3
Clinical note: A patient with generalized DJD affecting multiple joints.
ICD-10 Code: M15.0 – Primary generalized osteoarthritis
Importance of Accurate Coding
Insurance and billing – Ensures proper reimbursement for treatment, such as joint injections or replacement surgery.
Clinical documentation – Supports continuity of care and multidisciplinary communication.
Epidemiology and research – Helps monitor prevalence and trends in arthritis.
Healthcare planning – Supports arthritis prevention and management programs.
Management of Degenerative Joint Disease
Though coding is important, the clinical focus is on patient care. DJD treatment includes:
Lifestyle changes – weight loss, exercise, joint protection
Medications – NSAIDs, acetaminophen, topical pain relievers, corticosteroid injections
Physical therapy – improves strength and joint flexibility
Assistive devices – braces, canes, shoe inserts
Surgery – joint replacement for severe cases
Common Coding Errors
Using unspecified codes when documentation is available
Not identifying laterality (right, left, bilateral)
Confusing primary DJD with secondary DJD (post-traumatic or due to another condition)
Omitting multiple codes when more than one joint is affected
FAQs on DJD ICD-10
Q1: What is the ICD-10 code for degenerative joint disease of the knee?
Bilateral: M17.0
Right knee: M17.11
Left knee: M17.12
Unspecified: M17.9
Q2: Is degenerative joint disease the same as osteoarthritis?
Yes. DJD and osteoarthritis are synonymous and share the same ICD-10 codes.
Q3: What is the ICD-10 code for generalized DJD?
M15.0 – Primary generalized osteoarthritis.
Q4: Can multiple DJD sites be coded together?
Yes. Use separate codes for each affected joint unless it is documented as generalized.
Conclusion
Degenerative joint disease icd 10 code, also known as osteoarthritis, is a widespread condition that significantly impacts mobility and quality of life. Proper ICD-10 coding is essential for accurate documentation, reimbursement, and research.
When coding DJD, always specify the joint affected, laterality, and type. Avoid unspecified codes when details are available, and use multiple codes when necessary. Accurate coding ensures better patient care, smooth insurance claims, and contributes to public health data.