In simple words: This code indicates that the patient has an artificial shoulder joint, but it doesn't specify whether it's the right or left shoulder.

Presence of unspecified artificial shoulder joint.

Example 1: A patient comes in for a follow-up appointment after having a total shoulder arthroplasty. The presence of the artificial joint is documented using Z96.619., A patient with an artificial shoulder joint presents with pain in the shoulder. While the artificial joint itself may not be the direct cause of the pain, it is relevant to the patient's health status and should be documented using Z96.619., A patient presents for a pre-operative evaluation for an unrelated procedure. During the evaluation, it is noted that the patient has an artificial shoulder joint. This should be coded as Z96.619.

Documentation should clearly indicate the presence of the artificial shoulder joint, preferably including the date of the original shoulder replacement surgery. If the specific side (right or left) is known, the more specific codes Z96.611 or Z96.612 should be used instead.

** This code is not a principal diagnosis for inpatient admission per Medicare Code Edits (MCE).