Orthopedic devices associated with adverse incidents (Y79)

The ICD-10 code Y79 and its subcodes specify adverse incidents related to orthopedic devices, capturing complications from diagnostic, therapeutic, prosthetic, surgical, and miscellaneous orthopedic equipment. These codes help identify and classify problems caused by orthopedic devices during medical care.

The general code Y79 covers all orthopedic device-related adverse events. Code Y79.0 is used for issues with diagnostic and monitoring devices. Y79.1 refers to complications from therapeutic and rehabilitative devices, which includes mechanical complications such as problems with bone grafts. The code Y79.2 covers adverse events linked to prosthetics and implants, including infections, mechanical failures, loosening, and pain related to joint prostheses and internal fixation devices. For example, infections of hip, knee, or shoulder prosthetic joints and complications like loosening or failure of implants fall under this code. Code Y79.3 relates to complications from surgical instruments and materials used in orthopedic procedures, while Y79.8 captures other unidentified orthopedic device-related issues. Understanding these codes assists in accurately reporting adverse effects associated with various orthopedic devices in medical records and billing.