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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.44

M05.44

Billable

Rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.44 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid myopathy is a condition characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly affecting the muscles around the joints of the hand. Anatomically, the hand consists of multiple joints including the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints, all of which can be affected by RA. The pathophysiology involves autoimmune-mediated inflammation leading to synovitis, which can extend to the muscle tissue, causing myopathy. Clinically, patients may present with muscle weakness, joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The involvement of the hand can lead to significant functional impairment, affecting daily activities and quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (muscles and joints)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Differentiation from other myopathies and arthritic conditions
  • Potential for systemic manifestations affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of muscle weakness severity
  • Failure to specify laterality of joint involvement
  • Misclassification of myopathy as a separate condition
  • Lack of evidence for rheumatoid arthritis 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 deformities or tendon repairs due to RA-related damage.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must detail the specific joints involved and the severity of any deformities or functional limitations.

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 exacerbations of RA requiring adjustments in therapy or monitoring for systemic involvement.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic manifestations of RA, such as fatigue and extra-articular features, is crucial for comprehensive care.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and the need for assistive devices to aid in rehabilitation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy for strength training and functional restoration post-exacerbation.

Billing Considerations

Focus on mobility limitations and the impact of muscle weakness on daily activities is essential.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.44 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines that require documentation of laterality (e
  • , right or left hand), severity of myopathy, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Ensure that all relevant conditions are documented to support the coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.44 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 joint swelling management in RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document joint involved, amount of fluid aspirated, and any therapeutic agents injected.

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 increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement process.

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 M05.44?

Key documentation includes detailed descriptions of muscle weakness, joint involvement, laterality, and any relevant laboratory or imaging results that support the diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy and arthritis.