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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.612

M05.612

Billable

Rheumatoid arthritis of left shoulder with involvement of other organs and systems

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.612 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis of left shoulder with involvement of other organs and systems.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventual joint destruction. In the case of M05.612, the left shoulder is specifically affected, which can result in significant functional impairment. Anatomically, the shoulder joint comprises the humerus, scapula, and clavicle, with a complex arrangement of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that facilitate a wide range of motion. Pathophysiologically, RA is characterized by the infiltration of immune cells into the synovial membrane, leading to synovitis, cartilage degradation, and bone erosion. Clinically, patients may present with joint stiffness, particularly in the morning, and may experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise due to the involvement of other organs and systems, including the lungs, heart, and skin. The left shoulder's involvement can lead to limitations in abduction, flexion, and rotation, impacting daily activities and quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple organ systems complicates diagnosis and treatment.
  • Need for detailed documentation of joint-specific symptoms and systemic effects.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and disease progression among patients.
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses with other inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic involvement leading to potential downgrading of severity.
  • Failure to capture all affected joints and systems in the medical record.
  • Misclassification of RA as another type of arthritis due to overlapping symptoms.
  • Insufficient linkage between clinical findings and the chosen diagnosis code.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, functional assessments to evaluate range of motion, and detailed notes on surgical interventions if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Documentation must specify the extent of joint involvement and any surgical history related to the left shoulder.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with flares of RA requiring adjustments in therapy or management of comorbid conditions.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement must be clearly documented, including any extra-articular manifestations such as rheumatoid nodules or lung involvement.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and the need for assistive devices, along with rehabilitation goals.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include post-operative recovery or management of chronic pain and functional limitations.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address specific mobility limitations and the impact on daily living activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.612 When
  • 10 coding guidelines require accurate documentation of laterality (left shoulder), severity of the condition, and any associated systemic involvement
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the clinical findings and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.612 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 left shoulder due to RA.

Documentation Requirements

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

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 allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. This specificity aids in clinical research and improves patient care.

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. This specificity aids in clinical research and improves patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. This specificity aids in clinical research and improves patient care.

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 rheumatoid arthritis?

Key documentation includes detailed clinical notes on joint involvement, systemic symptoms, laboratory results indicating inflammation, and any imaging studies that support the diagnosis. It is essential to document the laterality and severity of the condition, as well as any treatments provided.