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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.021

M02.021

Billable

Arthropathy following intestinal bypass, right elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.021 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of arthropathy following intestinal bypass, right elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Arthropathy following intestinal bypass surgery is a condition characterized by joint pain and dysfunction that arises as a complication of surgical procedures aimed at altering the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastric bypass. The right elbow, a hinge joint formed by the humerus, radius, and ulna, may exhibit symptoms including swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The pathophysiology often involves metabolic changes post-surgery, leading to altered calcium and vitamin D metabolism, which can contribute to joint degeneration. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, tenderness, and functional limitations in activities requiring elbow flexion and extension. The condition may also be associated with systemic inflammatory responses, which can exacerbate joint symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-surgical complications
  • Involves specific anatomical knowledge of the elbow joint
  • May include metabolic and nutritional considerations
  • Documentation must differentiate from other arthropathies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of surgical history
  • Failure to specify laterality
  • Misclassification of arthropathy type
  • Lack of evidence for joint involvement

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

Patients may present with elbow pain post-bypass surgery, requiring surgical intervention such as arthroscopy or joint injections.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must detail the severity of joint involvement and any associated conditions, such as tendonitis or bursitis.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit signs of inflammatory arthritis post-surgery, necessitating disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement and monitoring for potential complications related to joint inflammation.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and the need for assistive devices to aid in rehabilitation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation may focus on restoring range of motion and strength in the elbow post-surgery.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address mobility limitations and the impact on daily activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.021 When
  • 10 coding guidelines require specificity in laterality (right elbow), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, subsequent, or sequela)
  • Proper documentation of the surgical history is crucial

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.021 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 for joint pain management in patients with arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any imaging studies performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations for joint injections and rheumatologic considerations for managing inflammatory conditions.

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 complications related to surgical procedures and improving patient care through targeted interventions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of complications related to surgical procedures and improving patient care through targeted interventions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of complications related to surgical procedures and improving patient care through targeted interventions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Guidelines
  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Recommendations

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Guidelines
  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of arthropathy following intestinal bypass?

Common causes include metabolic changes due to nutrient deficiencies, particularly calcium and vitamin D, which can lead to joint degeneration and inflammation.