ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.179

M02.179

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.179 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified ankle and foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postdysenteric arthropathy is 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 of the lower extremities, particularly the ankle and foot. Anatomically, the ankle joint comprises the tibia, fibula, and talus, while the foot consists of multiple bones including the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges. Clinically, patients may present with swelling, pain, and stiffness in the affected joints, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise. The pathophysiology involves an immune-mediated response triggered by the initial gastrointestinal infection, leading to inflammation in the joints. Movement limitations may include difficulty in weight-bearing activities and reduced range of motion in the ankle and foot joints, 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 involvement and severity
  • Potential for systemic symptoms complicating diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior dysentery
  • Failure to specify joint involvement
  • Lack of evidence for inflammatory markers
  • 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 any structural changes. Functional assessments to evaluate range of motion and weight-bearing capacity are also essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include patients presenting with acute ankle swelling post-dysentery, requiring orthopedic evaluation for potential joint damage or surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for any deformities or chronic changes in the ankle and foot that may require surgical correction.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should focus on inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and disease activity assessments to monitor the progression of arthropathy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with persistent joint pain and swelling after gastrointestinal infections, necessitating a rheumatologic evaluation for potential autoimmune involvement.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement is crucial, as postdysenteric arthropathy may be associated with other inflammatory conditions.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document mobility limitations, pain levels, and the need for assistive devices to aid in rehabilitation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve patients recovering from acute arthritic episodes, focusing on restoring function and mobility.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations may necessitate tailored rehabilitation programs to address specific deficits in ankle and foot function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.179 When
  • Official coding guidelines require documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of symptoms, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • Accurate linkage to the prior dysentery diagnosis is essential for proper coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.179 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 joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any findings during aspiration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint health and management.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, facilitating better tracking of post-infectious arthropathies and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, facilitating better tracking of post-infectious arthropathies and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, facilitating 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 is the significance of linking dysentery to arthropathy?

Linking dysentery to arthropathy is crucial as it establishes the etiology of the joint inflammation, guiding appropriate treatment and ensuring accurate coding.