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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.49

M05.49

Billable

Rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of multiple sites

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.49 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of multiple sites.

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 RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membranes, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. The myopathy component manifests as muscle inflammation and weakness, often affecting proximal muscles such as those in the shoulders and hips. Clinically, patients may present with difficulty in performing daily activities, such as climbing stairs or lifting objects. Anatomically, the condition involves the musculoskeletal system, particularly the muscles and joints, with potential systemic implications due to the autoimmune nature of RA. The presence of rheumatoid myopathy complicates the clinical picture, as it can lead to significant functional impairment and necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical sites complicates coding.
  • Differentiation between myopathy and other muscle disorders is necessary.
  • Requires understanding of autoimmune disease progression.
  • Documentation must reflect both joint and muscle involvement.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of muscle weakness and joint involvement.
  • Failure to specify laterality when applicable.
  • Misclassification of myopathy severity.
  • Lack of evidence for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage and functional assessments to evaluate mobility limitations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require joint surgeries or interventions for severe deformities or pain management.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must detail the specific joints involved and the severity of joint damage.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of systemic symptoms and monitoring of disease progression are common.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement and comorbidities is crucial for comprehensive care.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and mobility.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation programs focusing on strength training and mobility enhancement are often implemented.

Billing Considerations

Assessment of assistive device needs and home modifications may be necessary.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.49 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality when applicable, specify the severity of the condition, and note the encounter type (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • ) to comply with official coding guidelines

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.49 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97001CPT Code

Physical therapy evaluation

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial assessment of functional limitations due to myopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed assessment of muscle strength, range of motion, and functional capabilities.

Specialty Considerations

Physical therapy documentation should reflect the impact of rheumatoid myopathy on daily activities.

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

reimbursement.

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 M05.49?

Key documentation requirements include detailed clinical notes on muscle weakness, joint involvement, inflammatory markers, and any imaging studies that support the diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy.