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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.161

M02.161

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, right knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.161 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, right knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postdysenteric arthropathy refers to 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 right knee being a common site of involvement. Anatomically, the knee joint consists of the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, surrounded by ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid. The pathophysiology involves an immune-mediated response triggered by the infection, leading to inflammation of the synovial membrane and subsequent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Clinically, patients may present with acute onset of knee pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion, often following gastrointestinal symptoms. The condition may also be associated with systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise, and it can lead to chronic joint issues if not properly managed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the infectious history leading to arthropathy
  • Failure to specify laterality (right knee)
  • Misclassification as primary arthritis without noting post-infectious nature
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRI) to assess joint integrity, functional assessments to evaluate range of motion, and any surgical notes if interventions are performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include acute knee pain following a gastrointestinal infection, evaluation for potential arthroscopic intervention, or management of chronic knee pain due to postdysenteric changes.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for effusion, ligament stability, and potential for surgical intervention if conservative management fails.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), patient history of gastrointestinal infections, and assessments of disease activity.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Autoimmune and inflammatory scenarios may involve distinguishing postdysenteric arthropathy from other forms of reactive arthritis or inflammatory arthritis.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may need to be documented, especially if there are signs of other joint or organ involvement.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, pain levels, and the need for assistive devices or rehabilitation services.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include post-surgical recovery or conservative management of chronic knee pain with physical therapy.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be documented, including the impact on daily activities and the need for adaptive strategies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.161 When
  • Official coding guidelines require documentation of laterality (right knee), 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 M02.161 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 postdysenteric arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for aspiration, joint involved, and any therapeutic injections performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint stability and potential for surgical intervention.

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, including postdysenteric arthropathy. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including postdysenteric arthropathy. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including postdysenteric arthropathy. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

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 is the significance of documenting the infectious history in postdysenteric arthropathy?

Documenting the infectious history is crucial as it establishes the etiology of the arthropathy, differentiating it from other forms of arthritis and ensuring appropriate management and coding.