Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), more formally known as osteoarthritis (OA), is the most common form of arthritis worldwide, affecting over 32 million adults in the United States alone. As a chronic condition that results in the progressive breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, DJD can lead to significant pain, disability, and reduced quality of life.
For clinicians, healthcare administrators, coders, and insurance professionals, it is essential to understand how DJD is classified and documented using DJD 10 code. Accurate coding supports proper diagnosis, reimbursement, treatment planning, and long-term patient care.
In this comprehensive blog, we will explore:
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What DJD is and how it presents clinically
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How DJD is classified in the ICD-10 system
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Specific codes for different joints and scenarios
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Documentation tips for healthcare providers
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Clinical relevance in patient management
What Is DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease)?
Degenerative Joint Disease is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterized by:
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Loss of cartilage within joints
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Joint space narrowing
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Bone spurs (osteophytes)
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Joint stiffness and pain
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Limited range of motion
Unlike inflammatory forms of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), DJD is non-inflammatory and results from mechanical wear and tear. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the:
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Knees
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Hips
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Spine
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Hands
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Shoulders
The condition progresses slowly over time and may affect one joint (localized) or multiple joints (generalized or polyarticular).
ICD-10: International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision
The DJD 10 code system, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is used globally to classify diseases and health conditions. Each code represents a specific diagnosis and can include laterality (right, left, bilateral), cause (primary, post-traumatic, etc.), and anatomical site (hip, knee, etc.).
In the United States, ICD-10-CM codes are used for:
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Medical billing and reimbursement
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Insurance claims processing
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Clinical documentation
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Research and public health surveillance
DJD ICD-10 Codes: Core Categories
DJD is most commonly coded using the M15–M19 series under the broader category of osteoarthritis. For spinal DJD (often referred to as degenerative disc disease or spondylosis), M47 codes are used.
M15 – Polyosteoarthritis
Used when multiple joints are affected:
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M15.0 – Primary generalized osteoarthritis
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M15.9 – Osteoarthritis, unspecified, multiple sites
M16 – Osteoarthritis of Hip
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M16.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of hip
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M16.11 – Unilateral primary OA, right hip
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M16.12 – Unilateral primary OA, left hip
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M16.9 – Osteoarthritis of hip, unspecified
M17 – Osteoarthritis of Knee
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M17.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee
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M17.11 – Unilateral primary OA, right knee
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M17.12 – Unilateral primary OA, left knee
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M17.9 – Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified
M18 – Osteoarthritis of First Carpometacarpal Joint (Base of Thumb)
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M18.0 – Primary OA of 1st CMC joint
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M18.9 – Osteoarthritis, unspecified of first CMC
M19 – Osteoarthritis of Other Joints
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M19.0 – Primary OA of other joints
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M19.90 – Unspecified OA, unspecified site
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M19.91 – Unspecified OA, right site
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M19.92 – Unspecified OA, left site
Used for DJD in:
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Shoulder
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Elbow
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Ankle
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Wrist
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Other joints not specifically listed
M47 – Spondylosis (Spinal DJD)
Degenerative changes in the vertebral discs and facet joints of the spine:
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M47.812 – Cervical spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy
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M47.816 – Lumbar spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy
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M47.891 – Other specified spondylosis, site unspecified
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M47.9 – Spondylosis, unspecified
Clinical Scenario Examples
Example 1: Right Knee OA
Diagnosis: Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the right knee
Code: M17.11
Example 2: Bilateral Hip DJD
Diagnosis: Degenerative changes seen in both hips, no trauma
Code: M16.0
Example 3: Generalized DJD (multiple joints: knees, hands, spine)
Diagnosis: Primary generalized osteoarthritis
Code: M15.0
Example 4: Lumbar Spine DJD
Diagnosis: Degenerative disc disease at L4–L5 and L5–S1, no radiculopathy
Code: M47.816
Clinical Relevance: Why Accurate Coding Matters
Insurance & Reimbursement
Correct DJD ICD-10 coding ensures that providers are paid accurately for services, particularly for:
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Imaging (X-rays, MRIs)
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Joint injections
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Physical therapy
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Surgery (e.g., total knee replacement)
Treatment Planning
Coding helps identify location and severity, guiding:
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Joint-specific interventions
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Monitoring disease progression
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Long-term care strategies
Clinical Communication
Clear documentation improves collaboration between:
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Primary care providers
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Rheumatologists
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Orthopedic surgeons
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Physical therapists
Research & Public Health
DJD ICD-10 codes are used in:
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Epidemiological studies
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National arthritis statistics
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Health policy planning
Documentation Tips for Providers
To support precise coding:
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Specify joint(s) affected
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Note laterality (left/right/bilateral)
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Identify type of OA (primary, post-traumatic, secondary)
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Include imaging findings if available
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Document any functional limitations
Example:
“Patient presents with chronic pain and stiffness in the right knee, worsened by activity. Imaging confirms narrowing of the medial joint space and osteophyte formation. No history of trauma.”
→ Code: M17.11
Management of DJD
While ICD-10 codes classify the diagnosis, comprehensive management requires a combination of:
Conservative Therapies
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Weight loss
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NSAIDs or acetaminophen
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Physical therapy
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Activity modification
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Bracing or orthotics
Interventional Procedures
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Intra-articular corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections
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Radiofrequency ablation (for spinal DJD)
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Joint aspiration for effusion
Surgical Options
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Arthroscopy (limited benefit in OA)
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Total joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)
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Spinal decompression or fusion (in advanced spine DJD)
Final Thoughts
DJD 10 code is a critical aspect of modern healthcare documentation and reimbursement. Whether you’re treating one joint or multiple, accurately assigning the right ICD-10 code helps streamline billing, guide treatment, and support better patient outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
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Use M15–M19 for extremity joints
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Use M47 for spinal DJD
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Always specify laterality, type, and anatomical site
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Documentation should reflect imaging, symptoms, and treatment plan
By understanding and using the correct DJD ICD-10 codes, healthcare professionals can ensure they meet both clinical and administrative requirements—leading to better care, fewer denials, and more efficient practice management.
