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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.32

M02.32

Billable

Reiter's disease, elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.32 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of reiter's disease, elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body. It is characterized by the classic triad of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis. In the case of M02.32, the focus is on the elbow joint, which can become swollen, painful, and stiff due to inflammation. Anatomically, the elbow consists of three bones: the humerus, radius, and ulna, forming a hinge joint that allows for flexion and extension. The synovial membrane lining the joint can become inflamed, leading to effusion and pain. Clinically, patients may present with limited range of motion, tenderness, and swelling in the elbow, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise. The pathophysiology involves an autoimmune response triggered by bacterial infections, commonly following genitourinary or gastrointestinal infections. Diagnosis is often supported by clinical findings, serological tests, and imaging studies to assess joint involvement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of autoimmune mechanisms and joint anatomy.
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis.
  • Documentation of systemic symptoms and joint-specific findings.
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and severity.
  • Failure to document the underlying infection that triggered the arthritis.
  • Misclassification of the condition as a primary rather than reactive arthritis.
  • Lack of supporting imaging or lab results.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include patients presenting with acute elbow pain following a recent infection, requiring joint aspiration or corticosteroid injection.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for effusion, synovitis, and potential need for surgical intervention if conservative measures fail.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must include inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and disease activity assessments (e.g., DAS28) to monitor progression.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with systemic symptoms alongside joint pain, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation for other autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may require monitoring for complications such as uveitis or skin lesions.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include post-acute flare management and strategies to improve joint function.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations may necessitate tailored physical therapy programs focusing on strengthening and flexibility.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.32 When
  • 10 coding guidelines for M02
  • 32 require documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela) must also be clearly documented to ensure accurate coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.32 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 aspiration in cases of significant effusion due to Reiter's disease.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include indication for the procedure, joint involved, and any findings from the aspiration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic perspectives on 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 disease prevalence and treatment outcomes, particularly in conditions like Reiter's disease where joint involvement can vary significantly.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes, particularly in conditions like Reiter's disease where joint involvement can vary significantly.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

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 Reiter's disease affecting the elbow?

Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the elbow joint, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue. Patients may also experience limited range of motion due to inflammation.