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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.28

M02.28

Billable

Postimmunization arthropathy, vertebrae

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.28 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postimmunization arthropathy, vertebrae.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postimmunization arthropathy affecting the vertebrae is a rare condition that may arise following vaccination, characterized by inflammation of the joints in the spine. The vertebrae consist of 33 individual bones that form the spinal column, providing structural support and protecting the spinal cord. In postimmunization arthropathy, the immune response triggered by vaccination can lead to inflammatory processes affecting the facet joints and intervertebral discs, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Clinically, patients may present with localized back pain, tenderness over the affected vertebrae, and possible neurological symptoms if nerve roots are involved. The condition may mimic other inflammatory arthropathies, necessitating careful differential diagnosis and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of immunological responses to vaccines
  • Involves differential diagnosis with other arthropathies
  • Anatomical specificity related to vertebral joints
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of vaccination history
  • Failure to differentiate from other arthropathies
  • Lack of detailed clinical presentation
  • Improper coding of related symptoms

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) to assess joint involvement and functional assessments to evaluate mobility limitations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with acute back pain following vaccination, requiring orthopedic evaluation for potential surgical intervention if conservative management fails.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing the severity of vertebral involvement and documenting any neurological deficits.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise, necessitating a comprehensive rheumatologic evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may require monitoring for potential progression to chronic inflammatory conditions.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document the extent of mobility limitations and rehabilitation needs, including physical therapy evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require rehabilitation for pain management and restoration of function following acute episodes.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations may necessitate the use of assistive devices, which should be documented.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.28 When
  • Official coding guidelines require documentation of laterality if applicable, severity of symptoms, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Accurate coding also necessitates a clear link between the immunization and the onset of arthropathy

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.28 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to assess ongoing symptoms and treatment efficacy.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include a review of systems, physical exam findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for ongoing 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, including postimmunization arthropathy, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including postimmunization arthropathy, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including postimmunization arthropathy, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Immunization Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Immunization Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of postimmunization arthropathy?

Common symptoms include localized pain in the affected vertebrae, stiffness, and potential neurological symptoms if nerve roots are involved. Symptoms typically arise within weeks of vaccination.