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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.122

M05.122

Billable

Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of left elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.122 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of left elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid lung disease is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, or pulmonary nodules. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membranes, leading to inflammation and damage in joints, including the left elbow. Anatomically, the left elbow consists of the humerus, radius, and ulna, with the synovial membrane lining the joint capsule. Patients may present with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The lung involvement can manifest as cough, dyspnea, and decreased exercise tolerance, complicating the management of RA. Clinically, the presence of both rheumatoid lung disease and elbow arthritis indicates a more severe systemic involvement of RA, necessitating a comprehensive treatment approach that may include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and respiratory)
  • Need for detailed documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Complexity in treatment regimens due to systemic nature of the disease

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of lung involvement
  • Failure to specify laterality of joint involvement
  • Misclassification of severity or stage of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lack of supporting evidence for treatment decisions

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 joint swelling and tenderness.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for severe joint deformities or arthroplasties due to RA progression.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include documenting the degree of joint damage and functional limitations, as well as any surgical history.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve managing systemic symptoms and adjusting DMARD therapy based on disease progression.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement requires careful monitoring of lung function and potential side effects of medications.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and endurance, along with rehabilitation goals tailored to the patient's needs.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy for joint mobility and pulmonary rehabilitation for lung function.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations may necessitate the use of assistive devices, which should be documented thoroughly.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.122 When
  • 10 coding guidelines require specificity in laterality (left elbow), severity of the rheumatoid arthritis, and documentation of the lung disease as a complication of the underlying condition

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.122 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 the left elbow.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the procedure performed, and the indication for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint stability and potential for surgical intervention.

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 disease progression and treatment outcomes, particularly in complex cases like rheumatoid arthritis with lung involvement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes, particularly in complex cases like rheumatoid arthritis with lung involvement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes, particularly in complex cases like rheumatoid arthritis with lung involvement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key documentation elements for coding M05.122?

Key documentation elements include detailed descriptions of joint involvement (specifically the left elbow), evidence of lung disease (such as imaging or pulmonary function tests), and a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both conditions.