What ICD-10-CM code(s) is/are reported for a 78-year-old female patient with left knee pain when going up stairs and sitting down, and a final diagnosis of left knee pain secondary to underlying primary degenerative arthritis?

For a 78-year-old female with left knee pain due to primary degenerative arthritis, the ICD-10-CM codes M17.12 for primary osteoarthritis of the left knee, and potentially M25.562 for knee pain, would be appropriate.

Explanation:

The ICD-10-CM code for a 78-year-old female patient with left knee pain secondary to underlying primary degenerative arthritis would be M17.12 for primary osteoarthritis of the left knee, as it is a more specific condition underlying the knee pain. The code for the symptom of knee pain, M25.562, may be used in conjunction to specify the nature of her symptoms if deemed necessary by the coding guidelines. Since arthritis often results in mobility limitations and can increase the risk of depression and mental distress, it is important for the healthcare provider to also monitor these aspects of the patient's health.