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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.121

M02.121

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, right elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.121 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, right elbow.

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. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the joints, particularly affecting the right elbow in this case. Anatomically, the elbow joint comprises the humerus, radius, and ulna, with a complex arrangement of ligaments and tendons that facilitate movement. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the affected elbow, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise. The pathophysiology involves an immune-mediated response triggered by the preceding gastrointestinal infection, leading to synovial inflammation and joint damage. Diagnosis is often supported by clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to rule out other causes of arthritis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-infectious arthropathies
  • Involves specific anatomical knowledge of the elbow joint
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis
  • Documentation of prior dysentery episode

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior dysentery
  • Failure to specify laterality
  • Misclassification of the type of arthritis
  • Lack of imaging or lab results to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) to assess joint integrity, functional assessments to evaluate range of motion, and detailed notes on the patient's history of joint symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for joint effusion, synovitis, and potential for chronic changes if inflammation persists.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity, as well as a thorough history of the dysentery episode.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit systemic symptoms alongside joint involvement, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation for autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may indicate a more severe form of reactive arthritis, requiring close monitoring and potential modification of treatment.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document the patient's ability to perform daily activities and any assistive devices used to aid mobility.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength in the elbow joint.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be clearly documented to support the need for rehabilitation services.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.121 When
  • 10 coding guidelines require accurate documentation of laterality (right elbow), severity of symptoms, and the encounter type (initial, follow
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.121 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 effusion management in the right elbow.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, joint involved, and any imaging guidance used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint stability and potential for surgical 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 post-infectious arthropathies and their outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of post-infectious arthropathies and their outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of post-infectious arthropathies and their outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines
  • •
    Orthopedic Coding Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines
  • •
    Orthopedic Coding Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is postdysenteric arthropathy?

Postdysenteric arthropathy is a reactive arthritis that occurs following a dysentery episode, characterized by joint inflammation, particularly in the elbows and knees, due to an immune response to the preceding infection.