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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.42

M05.42

Billable

Rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.42 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid myopathy is a condition characterized by muscle weakness and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. In this case, the elbow joint is specifically involved. Anatomically, the elbow is a hinge joint formed by the humerus, radius, and ulna, allowing for flexion and extension. Pathophysiologically, RA leads to synovial inflammation, which can extend to surrounding muscle tissue, resulting in myopathy. Clinically, patients may present with weakness in elbow flexion and extension, pain, and reduced range of motion. The condition can significantly impact daily activities, as the elbow is crucial for tasks requiring arm movement. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to assess inflammation and autoantibody presence. Treatment may include medications such as DMARDs, corticosteroids, and physical therapy to improve function and manage symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (muscle and joint)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on disease progression

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of muscle weakness and functional limitations
  • Failure to specify laterality of elbow involvement
  • Lack of supporting evidence for the diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy
  • Misclassification of the condition as a primary versus secondary diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for joint repair or replacement, as well as conservative management strategies.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include documenting the severity of joint damage and any associated deformities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and disease activity scores (e.g., DAS28).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve managing systemic symptoms and adjusting DMARD therapy based on disease progression.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include monitoring for systemic involvement and potential complications of RA.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should detail mobility limitations, strength testing, and rehabilitation goals.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may focus on improving range of motion and strength through physical therapy.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include the need for assistive devices and modifications to daily activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.42 When
  • Official coding guidelines for M05
  • 42 require documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and the severity of both myopathy and arthritis
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up) must also be clearly indicated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.42 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97001CPT Code

Physical therapy evaluation

Clinical Scenario

Used for assessing functional limitations in patients with rheumatoid myopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed assessment of strength, range of motion, and functional limitations.

Specialty Considerations

Considerations for physical therapy include the need for tailored rehabilitation programs.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding for musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes. M05.42 provides a clear distinction between rheumatoid arthritis and associated myopathy, improving clinical understanding and management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding for musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes. M05.42 provides a clear distinction between rheumatoid arthritis and associated myopathy, improving clinical understanding and management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding for musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes. M05.42 provides a clear distinction between rheumatoid arthritis and associated myopathy, improving clinical understanding and management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key symptoms of rheumatoid myopathy?

Key symptoms include muscle weakness, particularly in the proximal muscles, fatigue, and pain in the affected areas. Patients may also experience joint pain and swelling due to associated rheumatoid arthritis.