Wiki Laterality codes

[Vimto@ap1]

Hi,

I am coding the diagnoses for an MRI of the left knee w/o contrast. The doctor says "anterior compartment chondromalacia" in the Impression, but does not actually state LEFT knee. Can I code it as the left knee M22.42 based on it being a left knee MRI or do I have to code an uspecified code M22.40 because he didn't state the laterality in the Impression?

Thanks in advance,
Amy

 

[sujaya101]

Does the MRI order say left in it?

 

[Ajesh Kuriakose]

If the MRI is only done for left knee you will have to give LT laterality, in this case you will give unspecified if the MRI was done on both knees and physician didn't specified which knee had condition.