ICD-10 code for generalized osteoarthritis

The ICD-10-CM code for generalized osteoarthritis is M15.9 (Polyosteoarthritis, unspecified). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on M15.9.

Within M15, choose M15.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: primary generalized (osteo)arthritis (M15.0), Heberden's nodes (with arthropathy) (M15.1), Bouchard's nodes (with arthropathy) (M15.2), secondary multiple arthritis (M15.3), Erosive (osteo)arthritis (M15.4) and other polyosteoarthritis (M15.8).

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 553 (Bone Diseases and Arthropathies with MCC, relative weight 1.2494) and DRG 554 (Bone Diseases and Arthropathies without MCC, relative weight 0.8331), in MDC 08 (Diseases and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.