ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.87

M02.87

Billable

Other reactive arthropathies, ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.87 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other reactive arthropathies, ankle and foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Reactive arthropathies are inflammatory joint conditions that arise secondary to infections or other systemic diseases, often affecting the ankle and foot. The ankle joint comprises the tibia, fibula, and talus, while the foot includes multiple bones such as the metatarsals and phalanges. In reactive arthropathies, the immune response to an infection elsewhere in the body leads to joint inflammation, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Clinically, patients may present with acute onset of joint pain, often following a recent infection, such as a urinary tract infection or gastrointestinal infection. The condition may also be associated with systemic symptoms like fever and malaise. Movement limitations can include difficulty in weight-bearing activities and reduced range of motion in the affected joints, particularly during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent chronic joint damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to reactive arthropathies
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and symptoms
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis
  • Potential for systemic involvement requiring comprehensive assessment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the reactive nature of the arthropathy
  • Failure to specify laterality of joint involvement
  • Lack of supporting evidence for the diagnosis from clinical findings
  • Misclassification with other arthritic conditions

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 mobility and pain levels.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with acute ankle pain following a recent infection, requiring evaluation for possible surgical intervention if conservative management fails.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for any structural damage or deformities that may complicate treatment.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity to monitor the inflammatory response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may have a history of autoimmune conditions that predispose them to reactive arthropathies, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of systemic involvement.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid autoimmune diseases and their impact on treatment and prognosis is essential.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require rehabilitation following acute episodes to restore function and mobility.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the patient's ability to perform daily activities and the need for tailored rehabilitation programs.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.87 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines that require documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of the condition
  • Ensure that the encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela) is accurately reflected in the coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.87 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 the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any findings during aspiration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations include the need for imaging guidance and assessment of joint stability.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding reactive arthropathies, enabling better tracking of these conditions and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding reactive arthropathies, enabling better tracking of these conditions and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding reactive arthropathies, enabling better tracking of these conditions 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 such as chlamydia, gastrointestinal infections, and other systemic inflammatory conditions. The immune response to these infections can trigger joint inflammation, particularly in the ankle and foot.