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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.82

M02.82

Billable

Other reactive arthropathies, elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other reactive arthropathies, elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M02.82 refers to reactive arthropathies affecting the elbow joint, which can arise as a response to infections or inflammatory conditions elsewhere in the body. The elbow joint is a complex hinge joint formed by the humerus, radius, and ulna, allowing for flexion, extension, and limited rotation. Reactive arthropathies are characterized by inflammation of the joint due to systemic conditions, such as infections or autoimmune diseases, rather than direct joint injury. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the elbow, often accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever or malaise. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to identify underlying causes. Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) depending on the severity and underlying etiology.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis
  • Need for comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Potential for systemic involvement
  • Variability in clinical presentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document underlying conditions
  • Misclassification of joint involvement
  • Lack of imaging or lab results to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include post-infectious arthritis following a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, requiring surgical intervention in severe cases.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for joint effusion and the need for aspiration or injection procedures.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve patients with reactive arthritis following a genitourinary or gastrointestinal infection, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include evaluating for systemic involvement and potential complications such as enthesitis or dactylitis.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and any rehabilitation needs.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve post-arthroscopy recovery or physical therapy for joint mobilization.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be documented, including the need for assistive devices or modifications in therapy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.82 When
  • Official coding guidelines require documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, subsequent, or sequela) must also be clearly indicated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.82 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 arthropathy cases.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations include assessing the need for joint aspiration versus injection.

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.

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.

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.

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 (e.g., gastrointestinal, genitourinary), autoimmune diseases, and post-viral syndromes. It is essential to identify the underlying trigger to guide treatment.