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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.872

M02.872

Billable

Other reactive arthropathies, left ankle and foot

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.872 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other reactive arthropathies, left ankle and foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Reactive arthropathies are inflammatory joint conditions that arise secondary to infections or other systemic diseases. The left ankle and foot consist of multiple joints, including the talocrural joint (ankle), subtalar joint, and various tarsal and metatarsal joints. In reactive arthropathies, the immune response to an infection elsewhere in the body can lead to inflammation in these joints, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Clinically, patients may present with unilateral symptoms, often following a genitourinary or gastrointestinal infection. The pathophysiology involves the deposition of immune complexes in the joint space, leading to synovitis and subsequent joint damage if untreated. Patients may experience stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and may have difficulty with weight-bearing activities due to pain. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent chronic joint damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes (e.g., infections, autoimmune conditions)
  • Need for precise documentation of laterality and specific joint involvement
  • Differentiation from other arthropathies and musculoskeletal disorders
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of the reactive arthropathy
  • Failure to specify laterality or joint involvement
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of the condition as a primary arthropathy instead of reactive

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint integrity and functional assessments to evaluate range of motion and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include post-infectious arthritis following a urinary tract infection or gastrointestinal illness, requiring surgical intervention if joint damage is severe.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for effusion, tenderness, and range of motion limitations, as well as documenting any surgical interventions.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and disease activity assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve patients with a history of reactive arthritis presenting with acute joint swelling and pain, necessitating a thorough evaluation for systemic involvement.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include monitoring for systemic symptoms and potential progression to chronic arthritis, which may require long-term management.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and any rehabilitation needs.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve patients recovering from acute reactive arthritis, focusing on restoring mobility and strength.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations may necessitate the use of assistive devices, which should be documented to support the need for therapy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.872 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (specifying 'left'), severity (acute vs
  • chronic), and encounter type (initial vs
  • follow
  • Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.872 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used to relieve joint effusion in the left ankle due to reactive arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any findings during aspiration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations include assessing the need for joint injections for inflammation control.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of reactive arthropathies and their outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of reactive arthropathies and their outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of reactive arthropathies and their outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of reactive arthropathies?

Common causes include infections such as Chlamydia, Salmonella, and Yersinia, as well as post-viral syndromes. These infections trigger an immune response that can lead to joint inflammation.