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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.10

M02.10

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified site

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, unspecified site.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postdysenteric arthropathy is a type of reactive arthritis that occurs following an episode of dysentery, typically caused by bacterial infections such as Shigella or Salmonella. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the joints, which can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Anatomically, it primarily affects the synovial joints, which are the most mobile joints in the body, including the knees, ankles, and wrists. The pathophysiology involves an immune response triggered by the infection, leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines that affect joint tissues. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain and swelling, often accompanied by a history of gastrointestinal symptoms. The onset of arthropathy can occur days to weeks after the initial dysenteric episode, and the severity can vary widely among individuals.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Varied clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Potential for misdiagnosis with other arthritic conditions
  • Need for comprehensive patient history including gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Documentation of joint involvement and functional limitations

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior dysentery episodes
  • Failure to specify joint involvement
  • Misclassification of the condition as primary arthritis
  • Lack of supporting evidence for inflammatory markers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with knee or ankle pain following a gastrointestinal infection, requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention if conservative management fails.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for effusion, tenderness, and range of motion limitations, which are critical for determining treatment options.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise alongside joint symptoms, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation for autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may require monitoring for complications such as enthesitis or dactylitis, which can influence treatment strategies.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require physical therapy to restore function and mobility after an acute episode of arthropathy.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of assistive devices may be necessary for patients with significant mobility impairments.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.10 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of the condition's onset, joint involvement, and any prior dysentery episodes
  • Laterality should be specified if applicable, and the severity of symptoms should be documented to support the coding choice

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.10 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 when joint effusion is present in postdysenteric arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any findings during the aspiration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing for potential joint damage and the need for further intervention.

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 postdysenteric arthropathy and its 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 postdysenteric arthropathy and its treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of postdysenteric arthropathy and its treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of postdysenteric arthropathy?

Postdysenteric arthropathy is primarily caused by an immune response to bacterial infections that lead to dysentery, such as those caused by Shigella or Salmonella.