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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.139

M02.139

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified wrist

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.139 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified wrist.

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 primarily affects the joints, including the wrist, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Anatomically, the wrist consists of eight carpal bones, which articulate with the radius and ulna, allowing for a wide range of motion. The inflammation in postdysenteric arthropathy can lead to synovitis, affecting the synovial membrane and causing joint effusion. Clinically, patients may present with acute or chronic wrist pain, stiffness, and functional limitations in daily activities. The pathophysiology involves an autoimmune response triggered by the infection, leading to joint inflammation and potential long-term damage if not managed appropriately.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-infectious arthropathies
  • Differentiation from other types of inflammatory arthritis
  • Documentation of joint-specific symptoms and functional limitations
  • Need for comprehensive patient history including dysentery episode

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the dysentery episode
  • Failure to specify laterality of wrist involvement
  • Lack of evidence for inflammatory markers or imaging results
  • Misclassification with other arthropathies

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 wrist pain following a gastrointestinal infection, requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention if conservative management fails.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for joint deformities, range of motion limitations, and the impact of inflammation on daily activities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit systemic symptoms alongside wrist involvement, 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 activities of daily living and any assistive devices used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve physical therapy to restore wrist function and strength following an inflammatory episode.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.139 When
  • Official coding guidelines require specificity in documenting laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela) must also be accurately coded to reflect the patient's treatment stage

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.139 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 therapeutic management of wrist effusion in postdysenteric arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations include assessing the need for joint aspiration versus injection.

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 postdysenteric arthropathy and its impact on patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of postdysenteric arthropathy and its impact on patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 in the affected wrist, often following a gastrointestinal infection.