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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.579

M05.579

Billable

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.579 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified ankle and foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by peripheral nerve damage due to systemic inflammation. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventual joint destruction. The ankle and foot are common sites of involvement, where synovitis can lead to deformities and functional limitations. Anatomically, the ankle consists of the tibia, fibula, and talus, while the foot includes multiple bones, ligaments, and tendons that facilitate movement. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the lower extremities, which can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. The pathophysiology involves both inflammatory and ischemic processes affecting nerve function, often exacerbated by joint deformities and mechanical stress.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (joints, nerves)
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of systemic involvement
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms
  • Failure to specify joint involvement
  • Misclassification of the severity of the condition
  • Lack of supporting evidence for polyneuropathy diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs) showing joint involvement, functional assessments documenting range of motion and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical interventions for joint deformities, management of acute exacerbations.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of joint-specific involvement, including any surgical history or planned interventions.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Lab results indicating inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28 score).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of systemic symptoms, adjustments in DMARD therapy.

Billing Considerations

Monitoring for systemic involvement and progression of RA, including extra-articular manifestations.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments (e.g., gait analysis), rehabilitation plans addressing mobility limitations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation post-surgery, management of chronic pain and functional restoration.

Billing Considerations

Assessment of assistive devices needed for mobility, coordination with orthopedic and rheumatology teams.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.579 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (if applicable), severity (acute vs
  • chronic), and encounter type (initial vs
  • follow
  • Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis of both rheumatoid arthritis and polyneuropathy

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.579 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 location, procedure details, and patient response.

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 complications like polyneuropathy in RA. This specificity aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of complications like polyneuropathy in RA. This specificity aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of complications like polyneuropathy in RA. This specificity aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

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 lower extremities, and pain, which can significantly affect mobility and daily activities.