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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.80

M02.80

Billable

Other reactive arthropathies, unspecified site

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.80 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other reactive arthropathies, unspecified site.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Reactive arthropathies are a group of inflammatory joint conditions that occur as a reaction to an infection or other inflammatory process elsewhere in the body. The pathophysiology involves an immune-mediated response where the body mistakenly attacks its own joint tissues following an infection, often in the urogenital or gastrointestinal tract. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, typically affecting the lower extremities, such as the knees and ankles, but can involve any joint. The condition may also be associated with systemic symptoms like fever and malaise. Anatomically, the joints affected are synovial joints, which are characterized by a joint capsule, synovial membrane, and articular cartilage. The inflammatory process can lead to synovitis, erosion of cartilage, and ultimately joint damage if not managed appropriately. Diagnosis is often supported by clinical evaluation, serological tests for inflammatory markers, and imaging studies to assess joint involvement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and joint involvement
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and history
  • Differentiation from other arthropathies and inflammatory conditions
  • Potential for systemic involvement requiring multidisciplinary care

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and symptoms
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of the reactive arthropathy
  • Misclassification with other arthropathies leading to incorrect coding
  • Lack of follow-up documentation to support ongoing treatment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging results (X-rays, MRIs) showing joint involvement, functional assessments, and treatment plans detailing any surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include patients presenting with acute knee pain following a gastrointestinal infection or chronic joint pain with a history of urethritis.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include the need to document the severity of joint swelling, range of motion limitations, and any surgical interventions performed.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must include laboratory results for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), patient history of infections, and disease activity assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Autoimmune and inflammatory scenarios may involve patients with a history of reactive arthritis following a Chlamydia infection or gastrointestinal illness.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may require documentation of extra-articular manifestations such as skin rashes or ocular symptoms.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should detail the patient's mobility limitations, pain levels, and rehabilitation needs, including any assistive devices used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve patients recovering from joint inflammation, focusing on restoring range of motion and strength.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be documented in terms of activities of daily living and any adaptations required for patient safety.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.80 When
  • Official coding guidelines for M02
  • 80 require documentation of the specific joint(s) involved, laterality if applicable, and the severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up, or chronic management) should also be clearly documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.80 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 reactive arthropathies.

Documentation Requirements

Document joint aspiration details, including the amount of fluid removed and any therapeutic agents injected.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include the need for imaging guidance in some cases.

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 reactive arthropathies and their management. This specificity aids in research and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of reactive arthropathies and their management. This specificity aids in research and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of reactive arthropathies and their management. This specificity aids in research and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of reactive arthropathies?

Common causes include infections such as Chlamydia, gastrointestinal infections, and other inflammatory conditions. The immune response to these infections can trigger joint inflammation.