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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.619

M05.619

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.619 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified shoulder with involvement of other organs and systems.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventual joint destruction. In the case of M05.619, the unspecified shoulder joint is affected, which may present with limited range of motion, stiffness, and pain during movement. Anatomically, the shoulder comprises the glenohumeral joint, acromioclavicular joint, and scapulothoracic articulation, all of which can be involved in RA. The systemic nature of RA means that it can also affect other organs, including the lungs, heart, and skin, leading to extra-articular manifestations. Clinically, patients may present with morning stiffness, fatigue, and symmetrical joint involvement. The pathophysiology involves an autoimmune response where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, resulting in inflammation and joint damage. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent irreversible joint damage and maintain functional capacity.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple organ systems complicates documentation.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms.
  • Need for comprehensive assessment of joint function and systemic involvement.
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses with other inflammatory conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic involvement.
  • Failure to specify laterality or joint involvement.
  • Misclassification of RA severity or type.
  • Lack of supporting evidence for extra-articular manifestations.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, as well as functional assessments to evaluate range of motion and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must detail the specific joints involved and the extent of damage to guide treatment decisions.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with flares of RA requiring adjustment of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Billing Considerations

Documentation must capture the systemic effects of RA, including any organ involvement.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and the need for assistive devices to aid rehabilitation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may undergo physical therapy to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should reflect the impact of RA on daily activities and quality of life.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.619 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Specificity in documenting joint involvement and systemic effects is crucial

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.619 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 and pain relief in RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any complications.

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.

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

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence 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 common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the shoulder?

Common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the shoulder joint. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise.