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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.169

M02.169

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.169 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified knee.

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 knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Anatomically, the knee joint comprises the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, with ligaments, tendons, and cartilage playing crucial roles in its function. The pathophysiology involves an autoimmune response triggered by the infection, resulting in synovial inflammation and joint damage. Clinically, patients may present with acute onset of knee pain, limited range of motion, and signs of inflammation such as warmth and swelling. Chronic cases can lead to joint deformities and functional limitations, impacting mobility and quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-infectious arthritis mechanisms
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis
  • Documentation of joint-specific symptoms and functional limitations
  • Need for comprehensive patient history including infection details

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior dysentery infection
  • Failure to specify laterality of knee involvement
  • Lack of detailed clinical findings related to joint function
  • Misclassification with other arthritic conditions

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 any surgical notes if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include patients presenting with acute knee pain post-dysentery, requiring joint aspiration or arthroscopy for diagnosis and treatment.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing for joint damage and the need for potential surgical intervention based on severity.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with systemic symptoms alongside knee involvement, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation for autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Rheumatologists must consider the potential for systemic involvement and monitor for disease progression.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document mobility limitations, pain levels, and rehabilitation needs, including any assistive devices required.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve physical therapy to restore knee function and improve mobility post-arthropathy.

Billing Considerations

Physical medicine specialists should focus on the patient's ability to perform daily activities and the impact of joint pain on overall function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.169 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up) should also be documented to reflect the patient's treatment journey

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.169 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 when joint effusion is present and requires aspiration for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, joint involved, and any findings during the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic specialists may perform this procedure to relieve symptoms and obtain synovial fluid for analysis.

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 outcomes.

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 outcomes.

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 outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines
  • •
    Orthopedic Surgery Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines
  • •
    Orthopedic Surgery Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of postdysenteric arthropathy?

Postdysenteric arthropathy is primarily caused by an autoimmune response following a dysentery infection, leading to inflammation in the joints, particularly the knee.

How can postdysenteric arthropathy be differentiated from other types of arthritis?

Differentiation can be made based on the patient's history of dysentery, the timing of joint symptoms following the infection, and specific laboratory findings that indicate inflammation.