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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.149

M05.149

Billable

Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.149 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid lung disease is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by interstitial lung disease, pleural effusions, and pulmonary nodules. The pathophysiology involves autoimmune-mediated inflammation leading to lung tissue damage. Clinically, patients may present with respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and chest pain, alongside the typical musculoskeletal manifestations of RA, including joint pain and swelling. The unspecified hand involvement indicates that the specific hand affected is not documented, which can complicate treatment and management strategies. Anatomically, the hands consist of multiple joints, including the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, which can be severely affected in RA, leading to deformities and functional limitations. The interplay between lung and joint involvement necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to management, including rheumatology and pulmonary care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Multisystem involvement (musculoskeletal and pulmonary)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of lung involvement
  • Failure to specify the affected hand
  • Misclassification of severity or type 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 and functional assessments to evaluate mobility and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for joint deformities or severe pain management strategies.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must detail the specific joints involved and the degree of functional impairment.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) 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 must be documented, including any pulmonary function tests or imaging results.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate the patient's ability to perform daily activities and any need for assistive devices.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be clearly documented, along with any recommendations for adaptive equipment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.149 When
  • Official coding guidelines require accurate documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of the disease, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Specificity in documenting the affected hand is crucial for proper coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.149 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, moderate complexity

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to manage RA and assess lung function.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatology and pulmonology considerations for comprehensive care.

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, particularly those with systemic involvement like rheumatoid arthritis. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those with systemic involvement like rheumatoid arthritis. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of rheumatoid lung disease?

Common symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue, often accompanied by joint pain and stiffness typical of rheumatoid arthritis.