Coding Patellar Tendinitis – A Common Knee Injury

Coding Patellar Tendinitis – A Common Knee Injury

Summary - Also known as jumper’s knee, patellar tendinitis is an injury to the patellar tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone.

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People who participate in rigorous sports and perform repetitive activities often suffer knee overuse injuries. Several factors like changing equipment like shoes (for a walker or runner), using improper training techniques and certain medical conditions can contribute to overuse injuries of the knees. Patellar tendinitis is one such common overuse injury of the knee. Also known as jumper’s knee, the condition refers to an injury to the patellar tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone. If left untreated, the condition can cause severe pain, swelling and loss of knee function. Orthopedics medical billing and coding can be challenging for physicians treating knee injuries. For correct clinical documentation, physicians can outsource medical billing and coding tasks to a reliable medical billing company.

Causes and Symptoms Repetitive stress on the knees is one of the primary causes of patellar tendinitis.

This stress may create tiny tears in the tendon which may in course inflame and weaken the tendons. In fact, this is a common condition among athletes like basketball or volley ball players who frequently involve in activities like jumping, kicking and running. However, it can also affect people who do not participate in sports. Common symptoms of the condition include – • Chronic pain and tenderness (at the base of the kneecap) • Swelling and a burning feeling in the kneecap Diagnosis may begin with an examination of the knee area to identify the intensity of pain by bending and extending the leg. Imaging tests include • X –ray • MRI scan • Ultrasound Treatment modalities may depend on the extent and severity of the injury. Initial treatment modalities include –

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• Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs • Physical therapy • Injections Patients will be advised to take adequate rest and avoid activities that exert force on the knee. If they do not respond favorably to medications and physical therapy, surgery to repair the patellar tendon may be recommended.

ICD-10 Codes for Patellar Tendinitis • • • •

M76.5 Patellar tendinitis M76.50 Patellar tendinitis, unspecified knee M76.51 Patellar tendinitis, right knee M76.52 Patellar tendinitis, left knee

Billing and coding for different types of knee injuries can be difficult. By outsourcing these tasks to a reliable medical billing company that offers the service of AAPC-certified coding specialists, healthcare practices can ensure accurate and timely medical billing and claims submission.

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(800) 670-2809