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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.36

M02.36

Billable

Reiter's disease, knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.36 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of reiter's disease, knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis, is an inflammatory condition that typically arises following a genitourinary or gastrointestinal infection. It is characterized by a triad of symptoms: arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis. In the case of M02.36, the focus is on the knee joint, which is commonly affected. Anatomically, the knee is a complex hinge joint formed by the femur, tibia, and patella, surrounded by ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid. Pathophysiologically, Reiter's disease involves an autoimmune response where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling. Clinically, patients may present with unilateral or bilateral knee swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, often following an infection. The condition can lead to chronic joint damage if not managed appropriately, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of autoimmune mechanisms and joint anatomy
  • Differentiation from other forms of arthritis
  • Documentation of associated symptoms and prior infections
  • Potential for chronicity and long-term management considerations

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior infections leading to arthritis
  • Failure to specify laterality of knee involvement
  • Lack of evidence for chronicity in cases of recurrent symptoms
  • Misclassification of Reiter's disease as another type of arthritis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, as well as functional assessments to evaluate range of motion and stability.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for severe joint damage or arthroscopic procedures to assess and treat intra-articular pathology.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include the need to document the severity of inflammation and any structural changes observed in imaging.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Autoimmune scenarios may involve managing systemic symptoms alongside joint involvement, requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may necessitate 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 support rehabilitation efforts.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy to restore function and strength following acute exacerbations.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be documented to justify the need for therapy and assistive devices.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.36 When
  • 10 coding guidelines for M02
  • 36 require accurate documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela) must also be specified to ensure proper coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.36 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 knee joint effusion management in Reiter's disease.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, joint involved, and any therapeutic agents used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint aspiration and injection.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has improved specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of Reiter's disease and its complications, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has improved specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of Reiter's disease and its complications, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has improved specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of Reiter's disease and its complications, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

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?

Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees, along with possible urethritis and conjunctivitis. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever.