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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.129

M02.129

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.129 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postdysenteric arthropathy refers to a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs following an episode of dysentery, typically caused by bacterial infections such as Shigella or Salmonella. This condition can lead to joint inflammation, particularly affecting the elbow joint, which is anatomically comprised of the humerus, radius, and ulna. The elbow allows for flexion and extension as well as pronation and supination of the forearm. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the elbow, often exacerbated by activities that require arm movement. The pathophysiology involves an autoimmune response triggered by the initial infection, leading to synovial inflammation and potential joint damage if left untreated. Symptoms may include stiffness, tenderness, and decreased functional capacity, impacting daily activities and quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-infectious arthropathies
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis
  • Documentation of joint-specific symptoms and limitations
  • Potential for systemic involvement requiring comprehensive assessment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the dysentery episode
  • Failure to specify joint involvement
  • Misclassification of the condition as a primary or secondary diagnosis
  • Lack of evidence for inflammatory markers or imaging results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint integrity, functional assessments to evaluate range of motion, and detailed notes on the patient's history of elbow pain.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with acute elbow pain following a gastrointestinal infection, requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention if conservative management fails.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for joint effusion, instability, and the impact of inflammation on surrounding structures.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should focus on laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and detailed assessments of disease activity and joint involvement.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever alongside localized elbow pain, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation for autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement is crucial, as postdysenteric arthropathy may be part of a broader inflammatory response.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document the patient's ability to perform daily activities and any assistive devices used to aid mobility.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include post-surgical recovery or physical therapy for joint mobilization and strength training.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be thoroughly documented, including the need for adaptive equipment or modifications in daily living.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.129 When
  • Official coding guidelines necessitate specifying laterality (right or left elbow) if applicable, documenting the severity of the condition, and noting the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.129 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 significant joint effusion or pain requiring corticosteroid injection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the procedure performed, and the patient's response to treatment.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations include the need for imaging to guide the 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 decreased range of motion, particularly in the elbow, following a dysentery episode.