Degenerative Joint Disease DJD ICD 10: Complete Guide

Time Business News

12-07-2025

Degenerative Joint Disease DJD ICD 10 (DJD), commonly referred to as osteoarthritis, is the most prevalent chronic joint condition, especially among the aging population. It leads to the progressive breakdown of cartilage in joints, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. In healthcare documentation and billing, DJD is classified using the ICD-10 system, which provides a standardized way to code and track medical diagnoses across healthcare systems.
This blog explains what DJD is, how it's categorized under ICD-10 codes, and what patients and healthcare providers need to know for proper diagnosis and documentation.
DJD ICD 10 is a chronic condition characterized by the wearing away of cartilage—the flexible, protective tissue at the ends of bones in joints. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to: Joint pain and stiffness
Swelling or inflammation
Decreased range of motion
Bone spurs Knees
Hips
Spine (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)
Hands and fingers
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) is a globally used coding system maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO) and adapted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the U.S. It allows for standardized documentation, billing, and statistical tracking of health conditions.
Each ICD-10 code provides specific information about: The type of disease
of disease The location of the disease
of the disease The laterality (right, left, bilateral)
(right, left, bilateral) The severity (if applicable)
In ICD-10, Degenerative Joint Disease is primarily coded under M15–M19, depending on the location and nature of the arthritis. ICD-10 Code Description M15.0 Primary generalized osteoarthritis M15.4 Secondary multiple osteoarthritis M16.0 – M16.9 Osteoarthritis of the knee M17.0 – M17.9 Osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint (thumb base) M18.0 – M18.9 Osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint (thumb base) M19.0 – M19.9 Other and unspecified osteoarthritis DJD of Right Knee: ICD-10 Code: M17.11
Description: Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee DJD of Bilateral Hips: ICD-10 Code: M16.0
Description: Primary osteoarthritis of the bilateral hips Generalized DJD: ICD-10 Code: M15.0
Description: Primary generalized osteoarthritis affecting multiple joints DJD of Lumbar Spine: ICD-10 Code: M47.816
Description: Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, lumbar region
Healthcare providers use ICD-10 codes to: Document clinical diagnoses in patient records
in patient records Facilitate insurance claims and reimbursement
and reimbursement Track epidemiological data
Coordinate treatment plans
Accurate ICD-10 coding ensures that the severity and location of DJD are well-documented, helping improve care and billing compliance.
To select the correct DJD ICD-10 code, the provider must: Specify the joint(s) affected
affected Note the laterality (left, right, or bilateral)
(left, right, or bilateral) Clarify if the DJD is primary, secondary, or post-traumatic
Mention if there's an associated condition (e.g., spondylosis or joint deformity) Type Description ICD-10 Implication Primary DJD Age-related wear and tear with no known cause M15.0, M16.0, M17.0 Secondary DJD Result of another condition or injury (e.g., trauma, obesity, gout) M15.4, M19.x Aging
Joint overuse or repetitive motion (e.g., athletes, laborers)
Obesity
Previous joint injuries or surgeries
Genetics
Poor posture or spinal alignment
Understanding risk factors helps with prevention and early diagnosis, which can delay progression and improve quality of life.
Patients often report: Aching pain that worsens with activity
Morning stiffness lasting < 30 minutes
Clicking or popping in the joint
Swelling or warmth around the joint
Limited range of motion
In the spine, DJD may also lead to nerve compression, causing numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
Physicians use: X-rays : To detect bone spurs and cartilage loss
: To detect bone spurs and cartilage loss MRI or CT scans : For detailed soft tissue views
: For detailed soft tissue views Physical exams : To assess mobility and tenderness
: To assess mobility and tenderness Patient history: Essential for understanding progression
Once diagnosed, ICD-10 codes are selected based on findings and included in the patient's record and claims.
Although there's no cure for DJD, many treatments can manage symptoms and improve function: Physical therapy
Weight loss programs
NSAIDs and pain relievers
Joint injections (steroids or hyaluronic acid)
Assistive devices (braces, canes) Joint replacement (hip/knee)
Arthroscopy
Osteotomy (bone realignment)
The ICD-10 code remains relevant through all stages of care for tracking diagnosis, treatment progress, and outcome.
DJD ICD 10 is a chronic, progressive disorder that affects millions globally. Whether you're a healthcare provider documenting a diagnosis or a patient trying to understand your condition, knowing the correct ICD-10 code is essential for treatment, communication, and insurance.
From M15.0 (generalized osteoarthritis) to M17.11 (right knee OA), each code tells a story about the location, severity, and origin of the disease.
Proper coding ensures better care, faster claims, and more accurate data collection, benefiting both patients and practitioners. ICD-10 DJD Range: M15–M19
M15–M19 Most Common Locations: Hips, knees, spine, hands
Hips, knees, spine, hands Important ICD Codes: M15.0 (generalized) M17.0–M17.9 (knee) M16.0–M16.9 (hip)
Primary vs. Secondary DJD: Age-related vs. trauma/disease-related
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