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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.261

M05.261

Billable

Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of right knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.261 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of right knee.

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. In this case, the condition is specifically affecting the right knee joint. Anatomically, the knee is a complex hinge joint formed by the femur, tibia, and patella, surrounded by ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid. Pathophysiologically, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and joint destruction. Clinical presentation may include swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the right knee, alongside systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise due to vasculitis. The presence of vasculitis indicates a more severe systemic involvement, necessitating careful management and monitoring of both joint and vascular health.

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 overlapping symptoms with other autoimmune conditions
  • Complex treatment regimens that may include immunosuppressants

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic involvement
  • Failure to specify laterality of joint involvement
  • Misclassification of rheumatoid arthritis severity
  • Omission of relevant comorbid conditions

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 joint repair or replacement, and management of acute exacerbations of arthritis.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include the degree of joint destruction and the impact on mobility and daily activities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve managing flare-ups of RA and adjusting immunosuppressive therapy based on disease activity.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may require monitoring for complications such as skin lesions or neuropathy due to vasculitis.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy to improve joint function and mobility.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations may necessitate adaptive strategies and equipment to enhance patient independence.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.261 When
  • 10 coding guidelines require specificity in documenting laterality (right knee), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and care management

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.261 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 right knee joint in cases of effusion due to RA.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, the amount of fluid removed, and the patient's response.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations include the need for imaging to guide the 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, enabling better tracking of disease patterns and treatment outcomes. This specificity is crucial for managing complex conditions like rheumatoid vasculitis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease patterns and treatment outcomes. This specificity is crucial for managing complex conditions like rheumatoid vasculitis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and reflects the complexity of the patient's health status.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key documentation elements for coding M05.261?

Key documentation elements include a clear diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis with vasculitis, specific mention of the right knee involvement, laboratory results indicating systemic inflammation, and detailed treatment plans that reflect the complexity of managing both joint and vascular health.