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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.26

M05.26

Billable

Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.26 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, which can lead to ischemia and tissue damage. In this condition, the knee joint is affected by RA, leading to synovitis, joint swelling, and pain. Anatomically, the knee comprises the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, with surrounding ligaments, tendons, and synovial tissue. The pathophysiology involves an autoimmune response where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, leading to chronic inflammation. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, stiffness, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever. The presence of vasculitis can exacerbate symptoms, leading to skin lesions, neuropathy, or organ involvement, necessitating a comprehensive approach to management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple systems (musculoskeletal and vascular)
  • Need for detailed documentation of joint involvement and systemic symptoms
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses (e.g., other forms of vasculitis)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic symptoms
  • Failure to specify laterality of knee involvement
  • Misclassification of rheumatoid vasculitis severity
  • Lack of supporting evidence for the diagnosis in medical records

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 any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include joint replacement surgery due to severe RA damage or arthroscopy for synovitis management.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must detail the severity of joint involvement and any associated deformities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), disease activity scores, and assessments of systemic involvement.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with exacerbations of RA requiring corticosteroid therapy or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

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 management of chronic pain and disability.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address mobility limitations and the impact on daily activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.26 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and the severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up, or acute exacerbation) must also be documented to support the coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.26 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 knee joint effusion management in RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint management.

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, including the ability to capture systemic involvement and complications such as vasculitis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including the ability to capture systemic involvement and complications such as vasculitis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including the ability to capture systemic involvement and complications such as vasculitis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key documentation requirements for coding M05.26?

Key documentation includes detailed clinical notes on joint involvement, systemic symptoms, laboratory results indicating inflammation, and any imaging studies performed. It is crucial to document the severity of both the rheumatoid arthritis and the vasculitis.