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 CodesM05.171

M05.171

Billable

Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of right ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.171 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of right ankle and foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid lung disease is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, or pulmonary nodules. This condition arises due to the systemic nature of RA, where the immune system attacks the synovial joints, leading to inflammation and damage. The right ankle and foot involvement indicates localized joint inflammation, which can manifest as swelling, pain, and reduced range of motion. Anatomically, the right ankle consists of the tibia, fibula, and talus, while the foot includes multiple bones such as the metatarsals and phalanges. Clinically, patients may present with joint stiffness, particularly in the morning, and respiratory symptoms such as cough or dyspnea due to lung involvement. The interplay between joint and lung pathology necessitates a comprehensive approach to management, including pharmacologic therapy and physical rehabilitation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and respiratory)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and laterality
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Complexity in treatment regimens that may involve multiple specialties

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of lung disease severity
  • Failure to specify laterality of joint involvement
  • Misclassification of joint involvement as non-rheumatoid
  • Inconsistent coding of associated symptoms or complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, functional assessments to evaluate mobility, and detailed notes on joint swelling and tenderness.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for severe joint deformities or arthroplasties in advanced cases of RA.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect the severity of joint involvement, including any deformities or functional limitations.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include lab results for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28), and notes on systemic symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve managing flares of RA, adjusting DMARD therapy, or addressing pulmonary complications.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement must be documented, including any respiratory symptoms and their impact on overall health.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and mobility limitations due to joint pain.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address the need for assistive devices and the impact of joint and lung disease on mobility.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.171 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (right ankle and foot), severity of joint involvement, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, or exacerbation)
  • Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.171 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 associated lung disease.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatology focus on disease activity and joint assessment.

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used for joint effusion management in the right ankle.

Documentation Requirements

Indicate the joint involved and reason for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic focus on joint health and function.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for coding M05.171?

Documentation must include a clear diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, details of lung involvement, laterality of joint involvement, and any relevant imaging or lab results that support the diagnosis.