Quick Answer: Knee pain ICD-10 codes come from subcategory M25.56: M25.561 for pain in the right knee, M25.562 for pain in the left knee, and M25.569 for pain in an unspecified knee. There is no bilateral knee pain code, so when the provider documents both knees, report M25.561 and M25.562.
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FY2027 note: This guide reflects the FY2027 ICD-10-CM code set, effective October 1, 2026. We verified these codes in the ICD-10-CM Tabular List. However, always confirm against the code set in effect on the date of service.
Coders search for knee pain codes often because laterality drives the code. In other words, choosing the right code comes down to reading which knee the provider documented and whether a more specific diagnosis explains the pain.
Knee Pain ICD-10 Codes at a Glance
| ICD-10-CM Code | Description |
|---|---|
| M25.561 | Pain in right knee |
| M25.562 | Pain in left knee |
| M25.569 | Pain in unspecified knee |
How to Code Bilateral Knee Pain
Subcategory M25.56 has codes for the right knee, the left knee, and an unspecified knee only. When the provider documents pain in both knees, report both M25.561 and M25.562.
When Not to Use M25.56 Codes
Remember that knee pain is a symptom code. When the provider documents a definitive diagnosis that explains the pain, such as osteoarthritis of the knee or a meniscus tear, code the diagnosis instead of the symptom. Review the Excludes notes at category M25 and the Alphabetic Index entry for the documented condition before finalizing the code.
Avoid Unspecified When the Provider Documents Laterality
M25.569 is for records that truly do not state which knee. Therefore, if laterality appears anywhere in the encounter documentation, use the right or left code.
For related reading, see ICD-10 Codes for Pain and Medical Coding Knee Replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for left knee pain?
Pain in the left knee is M25.562.
What is the ICD-10 code for right knee pain?
Pain in the right knee is M25.561.
Is there a bilateral knee pain ICD-10 code?
No. Instead, report M25.561 and M25.562 together when the provider documents both knees.
Did knee pain codes change for FY2027?
No. The M25.56 codes did not change in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM update.
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