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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.149

M02.149

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.149 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postdysenteric arthropathy is 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, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the hands. Anatomically, the hand consists of multiple joints, including the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and distal interphalangeal joints, all of which can be involved in the inflammatory process. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, reduced range of motion, and functional limitations in daily activities. The pathophysiology involves an immune response triggered by the preceding gastrointestinal infection, leading to synovial inflammation and joint damage. The clinical presentation may vary, with some patients experiencing acute symptoms while others may have chronic manifestations. Diagnosis is often supported by clinical evaluation, serological tests for inflammatory markers, and imaging studies to assess joint involvement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Varied clinical presentation and symptomatology
  • Potential overlap with other inflammatory arthropathies
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of joint involvement
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior dysentery history
  • Failure to specify joint involvement
  • Misclassification with other arthropathies
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Documentation should specify which joints are affected and the severity of involvement to guide treatment decisions.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement and potential progression to chronic arthritis is essential for treatment planning.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require rehabilitation following acute exacerbations to restore function and improve quality of life.

Billing Considerations

Focus on mobility limitations and the impact on daily activities is critical for effective rehabilitation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.149 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines that require documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of joint involvement, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Ensure that the history of dysentery is clearly documented to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.149 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 swelling and pain management in postdysenteric arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication 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 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

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.

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 hands. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue following a dysentery episode.