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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.231

M05.231

Billable

Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of right wrist

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.231 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of right wrist.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by inflammation of blood vessels that can lead to ischemia and tissue damage. The right wrist, a complex joint composed of the radius, ulna, and multiple carpal bones, is often affected in RA. Patients may present with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the morning. The pathophysiology involves an autoimmune response where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, leading to chronic inflammation. This inflammation can extend to the vascular system, causing vasculitis. Clinically, patients may exhibit systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and weight loss, alongside localized symptoms in the wrist. The involvement of the wrist can significantly impair hand function, affecting daily activities and quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple systems (musculoskeletal and vascular)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and laterality
  • Potential for systemic complications affecting coding
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic involvement
  • Failure to specify laterality of joint involvement
  • Misclassification of severity or type of vasculitis
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the diagnosis

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 range of motion and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for joint repair or replacement due to severe damage from RA.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include documenting the extent of joint destruction and functional limitations.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must 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 organ damage due to vasculitis.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and the need for assistive devices.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include post-surgical recovery or therapy for joint stiffness and pain management.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be clearly documented, including the impact on daily living activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.231 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (right wrist), severity (acute vs
  • chronic), and encounter type (initial vs
  • follow
  • Ensure that all relevant conditions are documented to support the coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.231 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 therapeutic drainage of the wrist joint in cases of severe swelling.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint stability and function post-procedure.

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 vasculitis, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement.

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 vasculitis, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement.

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 documentation points for coding rheumatoid vasculitis?

Key documentation points include the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, specific joint involvement (e.g., right wrist), evidence of systemic symptoms, and any laboratory findings that support the diagnosis of vasculitis.