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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.61

M05.61

Billable

Rheumatoid arthritis of shoulder with involvement of other organs and systems

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.61 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis of shoulder with involvement of other organs and systems.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by synovial inflammation and joint destruction. In the shoulder, RA can lead to significant pain, swelling, and stiffness, affecting the glenohumeral joint and surrounding structures. The pathophysiology involves the infiltration of immune cells into the synovial membrane, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies. Clinically, patients may present with limited range of motion, particularly in abduction and external rotation, and may experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise. Involvement of other organs, such as the lungs, heart, or eyes, can complicate the clinical picture, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to management. The anatomical considerations include the rotator cuff muscles, bursa, and the intricate relationship between the shoulder girdle and the cervical spine, which can also be affected by RA.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple organ systems complicates diagnosis and treatment.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of joint involvement.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of systemic manifestations.
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other rheumatologic conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic involvement.
  • Failure to specify laterality of shoulder involvement.
  • Misclassification of RA severity or type.
  • Lack of supporting evidence for treatment modalities used.

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 range of motion and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions such as arthroscopy or joint replacement due to severe joint damage.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect the severity of joint involvement and any surgical history.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and disease activity scores (e.g., DAS28).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve managing flares of RA and adjusting DMARD therapy based on systemic involvement.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement must be documented, including any extra-articular manifestations.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document mobility limitations, pain levels, and the need for assistive devices.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy for restoring shoulder function post-flare.

Billing Considerations

Focus on mobility limitations and the impact on daily activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.61 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (right/left), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.61 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 RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any prior treatments.

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 for musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

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 M05.61?

Key documentation includes detailed clinical notes on joint involvement, systemic symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans. Ensure that all aspects of the patient's condition are documented to support the complexity of the diagnosis.