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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.039

M02.039

Billable

Arthropathy following intestinal bypass, unspecified wrist

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.039 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of arthropathy following intestinal bypass, unspecified wrist.

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 wrist, a complex joint composed of eight carpal bones, is particularly susceptible to arthropathic changes due to its intricate structure and the demands placed on it during daily activities. Patients may present with symptoms including pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the wrist, which can significantly impact their ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills. The pathophysiology may involve metabolic changes post-surgery, leading to altered calcium and vitamin D metabolism, which can contribute to joint degeneration. Clinically, this condition may manifest as stiffness, tenderness, and crepitus in the wrist joint, necessitating a thorough evaluation to differentiate it from other forms of arthritis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-surgical complications
  • Involves specific anatomical knowledge of the wrist
  • Differentiation from other arthropathies
  • Potential for multiple joint involvement

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint integrity, functional assessments to evaluate mobility, and detailed notes on physical examinations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with wrist pain post-bypass surgery, requiring orthopedic evaluation for potential surgical intervention or conservative management.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should document the severity of joint involvement and any associated conditions, such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity to evaluate the systemic impact of arthropathy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit signs of inflammatory arthritis post-surgery, necessitating a rheumatologic assessment to rule out autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Rheumatologists should consider the potential for systemic involvement and document any comorbidities that may affect treatment.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should focus on the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and any rehabilitation needs, including physical therapy evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require rehabilitation services to regain wrist function and mobility following arthropathy diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Physical medicine specialists should document mobility limitations and the need for assistive devices to support recovery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.039 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of symptoms, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Specificity in documenting the surgical history and joint involvement is crucial

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.039 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 patients with wrist effusion due to arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the reason for the procedure, and any therapeutic agents used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint management.

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 like intestinal bypass.

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 like intestinal bypass.

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 like intestinal bypass.

Resources

Clinical References

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

Coding & Billing References

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of arthropathy following intestinal bypass?

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion, particularly in the wrist, which can affect daily activities and quality of life.