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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.122

M02.122

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, left elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.122 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, left elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postdysenteric arthropathy is a type of reactive arthritis that occurs following an episode of dysentery, typically caused by bacterial infections such as Shigella or Salmonella. This condition primarily affects the joints, with the left elbow being the focus in this code. Anatomically, the elbow joint is a complex hinge joint formed by the humerus, radius, and ulna, allowing for flexion, extension, and limited rotation. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and stiffness in the left elbow, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise. The pathophysiology involves an immune-mediated response triggered by the infection, leading to inflammation in the joint tissues. Diagnosis is often supported by clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to rule out other causes of arthritis. Movement limitations may include reduced range of motion and difficulty with activities requiring elbow flexion and extension, impacting daily functions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-infectious arthropathies
  • Involves specific anatomical knowledge of the elbow joint
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis
  • Documentation of laterality and specific joint involvement

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of infection history
  • Failure to specify laterality
  • Misclassification of the type of arthritis
  • Lack of imaging or lab results to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical intervention for severe joint damage or arthroscopy for diagnostic purposes.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for joint effusion, synovitis, and the impact of inflammation on joint function.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity using tools like the DAS28.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve managing chronic inflammation and systemic symptoms associated with reactive arthritis.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement and monitoring for potential progression to chronic arthritis is crucial.

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 include physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength in the affected elbow.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations and the need for assistive devices should be documented to support treatment plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.122 When
  • Official coding guidelines require documentation of laterality (left elbow), severity of symptoms, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Accurate coding also necessitates a clear link between the dysentery episode and the arthropathy

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.122 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 effusion management in the left elbow.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the procedure, joint involved, and any imaging guidance used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint stability post-procedure.

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 post-infectious arthropathies and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of postdysenteric arthropathy?

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, particularly in the affected joint, which in this case is the left elbow. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise following the dysentery episode.