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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.51

M05.51

Billable

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.51 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by peripheral nerve involvement, often leading to sensory and motor deficits. The shoulder joint, a ball-and-socket joint formed by the humerus and the scapula, is frequently affected in RA, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced range of motion. Patients may present with symptoms such as shoulder pain, weakness, and numbness in the upper extremities due to nerve compression or damage. The pathophysiology involves autoimmune-mediated inflammation that can lead to synovitis, joint destruction, and secondary neuropathic changes. Clinically, patients may exhibit limited shoulder abduction and external rotation, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent further joint damage and improve functional outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and nervous)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Failure to document neurological symptoms related to polyneuropathy
  • Misclassification of the primary diagnosis
  • Lack of supporting evidence for treatment decisions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, functional assessments, and treatment plans detailing surgical or non-surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require surgical intervention for joint repair or replacement due to severe damage from RA.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must specify the degree of joint involvement and any associated deformities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), disease activity scores, and treatment response evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of systemic symptoms and medication adjustments based on disease progression.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities and their impact on treatment choices.

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.

Billing Considerations

Assessment of the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and the need for occupational therapy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.51 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up) should also be documented to reflect the patient's treatment journey

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.51 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 effusion in the shoulder due to RA.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the procedure performed, and the patient's response.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations for joint management and rheumatologic considerations for inflammation control.

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 common symptoms of rheumatoid polyneuropathy?

Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness in the extremities, and pain, particularly in the shoulders and arms, which can significantly impact daily activities.