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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.41

M05.41

Billable

Rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.41 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid myopathy is a condition characterized by muscle weakness and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly affecting the shoulder region. The shoulder joint, comprising the humerus, scapula, and clavicle, is crucial for upper limb mobility. In RA, chronic inflammation leads to synovitis, joint erosion, and muscle atrophy due to disuse and inflammation. Patients may present with limited range of motion, pain during shoulder movements, and muscle weakness. The pathophysiology involves autoimmune mechanisms where the immune system attacks synovial tissues, leading to muscle inflammation and damage. Clinically, patients may experience difficulty in performing daily activities, such as reaching overhead or lifting objects, due to pain and weakness in the shoulder muscles.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (muscle, joint, connective tissue)
  • Need for detailed documentation of muscle strength and joint function
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients
  • Potential for co-existing conditions complicating the diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of muscle strength and functional limitations
  • Failure to specify laterality of shoulder involvement
  • Misclassification of rheumatoid myopathy as a primary muscle disorder
  • Lack of evidence for disease activity markers in documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint integrity and functional assessments to evaluate range of motion and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require surgical intervention for joint repair or replacement due to severe erosion or instability.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must detail the severity of joint involvement and any surgical history.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28 score).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with systemic symptoms of RA, necessitating adjustments in treatment plans.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement and monitoring for extra-articular manifestations of RA.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring function and managing pain are common.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.41 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for specifying laterality (right, left, bilateral), severity of the condition, and encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela)
  • Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis and any related conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.41 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 managing joint inflammation in patients with RA affecting the shoulder.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any therapeutic agents used.

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, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

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 M05.41?

Key documentation elements include detailed descriptions of muscle strength, joint function, inflammatory markers, and any imaging studies that support the diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy with shoulder involvement.