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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.029

M05.029

Billable

Felty's syndrome, unspecified elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.029 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of felty's syndrome, unspecified elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Felty's syndrome is a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis characterized by the triad of rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia. The condition can lead to significant joint involvement, particularly in the elbows, which may present with swelling, pain, and limited range of motion. Anatomically, the elbow joint consists of the humerus, radius, and ulna, with ligaments and tendons that stabilize and allow for movement. In Felty's syndrome, the inflammatory process can exacerbate joint damage and lead to deformities. Clinically, patients may experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue and recurrent infections due to neutropenia, alongside localized symptoms in the elbow, which can severely impact daily activities and functional mobility.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (rheumatologic and hematologic)
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of joint involvement
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Failure to document systemic symptoms related to neutropenia
  • Misclassification of the condition due to overlapping diagnoses
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and follow-up care

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, functional assessments to evaluate range of motion, and detailed notes on any surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with elbow pain and swelling, requiring joint aspiration or surgical intervention for severe deformities.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the severity of joint involvement is crucial, as it influences treatment decisions and potential surgical options.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with exacerbations of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, necessitating adjustments in immunosuppressive therapy.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement, including monitoring for infections due to neutropenia, is essential for comprehensive care.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility limitations and the need for assistive devices, along with rehabilitation goals.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength in the elbow post-treatment.

Billing Considerations

Addressing mobility limitations and planning for assistive devices is critical for patient independence.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.029 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of joint involvement, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • ) to comply with official coding guidelines

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.029 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 patients with Felty's syndrome.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the reason for the procedure, and any findings during the aspiration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations for joint stability and rheumatologic considerations for inflammation 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 complications like Felty's syndrome and its systemic effects.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of complications like Felty's syndrome and its systemic effects.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key symptoms of Felty's syndrome?

Key symptoms include joint pain and swelling, particularly in the elbows, splenomegaly, and recurrent infections due to neutropenia. Patients may also experience fatigue and systemic symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis.