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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.56

M05.56

Billable

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.56 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by peripheral nerve damage due to systemic inflammation. The knee joint, a hinge joint formed by the femur, tibia, and patella, is commonly affected in RA, leading to synovitis, joint effusion, and pain. Patients may present with symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and tingling in the lower extremities, alongside typical RA manifestations like joint swelling and stiffness. The pathophysiology involves autoimmune-mediated inflammation that damages both the synovial tissue and peripheral nerves, resulting in functional impairments. Clinically, patients may experience significant movement limitations, particularly in flexion and extension of the knee, impacting their mobility and quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and nervous)
  • Need for detailed documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses and complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms
  • Failure to specify laterality of knee involvement
  • Lack of evidence for the severity of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Misclassification of polyneuropathy as a separate condition

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, functional assessments to evaluate range of motion and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical interventions such as arthroscopy or knee replacement due to severe joint damage.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the extent of joint damage and functional limitations is crucial for surgical candidacy.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Regular monitoring of inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), assessment of disease activity using tools like DAS28.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of systemic symptoms and adjustment of DMARDs or biologics based on disease progression.

Billing Considerations

Documenting systemic involvement and response to treatment is essential for ongoing management.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments to determine mobility limitations and rehabilitation needs, including assistive device evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation programs focusing on improving joint function and reducing pain.

Billing Considerations

Assessing the need for adaptive equipment and home modifications to enhance patient mobility.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.56 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of both rheumatoid arthritis and polyneuropathy
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up) should also be documented appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.56 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 knee joint effusion management in RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the procedure performed, and the indication for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations for joint management and rheumatologic implications 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 complications like polyneuropathy associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of complications like polyneuropathy associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

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 symptoms of rheumatoid polyneuropathy?

Key symptoms include weakness, numbness, tingling in the extremities, and joint pain, particularly in the knees. These symptoms arise from both the inflammatory processes of rheumatoid arthritis and the direct effects on peripheral nerves.