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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.179

M05.179

Billable

Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.179 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified 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. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membranes, leading to inflammation and joint damage. The ankle and foot joints are commonly affected in RA, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Anatomically, the ankle consists of the tibia, fibula, and talus, while the foot comprises multiple bones including the metatarsals and phalanges. Clinically, patients may present with joint deformities, reduced range of motion, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue and respiratory issues due to lung involvement. The interplay between joint and lung pathology complicates management and necessitates a multidisciplinary approach.

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
  • Variability in clinical presentation and disease progression

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of lung involvement
  • Failure to specify joint involvement accurately
  • Misclassification of severity or laterality
  • Lack of supporting evidence for systemic symptoms

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs) and functional assessments of the ankle and foot joints.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical interventions for joint deformities or severe pain management.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of joint-specific severity, including range of motion and functional limitations.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of systemic symptoms and coordination of care for lung involvement.

Billing Considerations

Monitoring for disease progression and potential complications related to lung disease.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments focusing on mobility and rehabilitation needs.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring function and managing pain.

Billing Considerations

Assessment of assistive devices and mobility aids to enhance patient independence.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.179 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (if applicable), severity of joint involvement, and type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Ensure comprehensive documentation supports the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.179 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 assessing joint and lung symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Requires coordination between rheumatology and pulmonology.

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 in capturing the complexity of rheumatoid arthritis and its systemic effects.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in capturing the complexity of rheumatoid arthritis and its systemic effects.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in capturing the complexity of rheumatoid arthritis and its systemic effects.

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 shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain, often accompanied by joint pain and swelling in the ankles and feet due to rheumatoid arthritis.