Primary generalized (osteo)arthritis

This code signifies a chronic, widespread degenerative joint disease affecting multiple joints throughout the body, not attributable to a localized cause or secondary condition. It is characterized by cartilage breakdown, bone spur formation, and joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in a generalized pattern.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "primary generalized osteoarthritis" or "generalized osteoarthrosis" without specifying a particular joint or identifying a secondary cause. Supporting documentation should indicate involvement of three or more joint groups (e.g., hands, knees, spine) and rule out inflammatory or traumatic etiologies.

• Do not use this code if the osteoarthritis is localized to a specific joint; instead, use the appropriate site-specific osteoarthritis code (e.g., M17.1- for knee).
• Ensure the documentation clearly distinguishes primary generalized osteoarthritis from secondary generalized osteoarthritis (e.g., due to metabolic disorders), which would be coded differently.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the main reason for the encounter and treatment.