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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.162

M02.162

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, left knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.162 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, left knee.

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 primarily affects the joints, with the left knee being a common site of involvement. Anatomically, the knee joint consists of the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, surrounded by ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid. The inflammation in postdysenteric arthropathy can lead to swelling, pain, and reduced range of motion in the affected knee. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often following gastrointestinal symptoms. The pathophysiology involves an immune response triggered by the infection, leading to synovitis and potential damage to the cartilage and surrounding structures. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent chronic joint damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-infectious arthritis mechanisms
  • Involves specific anatomical knowledge of the knee joint
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis is necessary
  • Documentation of prior dysentery episode is critical

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the dysentery episode
  • Failure to specify laterality (left knee)
  • Misclassification as primary arthritis without infectious history
  • Lack of detailed clinical findings related to joint involvement

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require surgical intervention for severe joint damage or arthroscopy for diagnostic purposes.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the severity of joint involvement and any functional limitations is essential for treatment planning.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammation markers (ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with systemic symptoms or concurrent autoimmune conditions requiring comprehensive management.

Billing Considerations

Monitoring for systemic involvement and progression of arthritis is crucial.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation may focus on restoring function and managing pain through physical therapy.

Billing Considerations

Addressing mobility limitations and developing a tailored rehabilitation plan is key.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.162 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality, ensuring 'left knee' is specified
  • Document the severity of the condition and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up) to support the coding choice

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.162 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 postdysenteric arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, joint involved, and any therapeutic agents used.

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 post-infectious arthropathies and their management.

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 management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of documenting the dysentery episode?

Documenting the dysentery episode is crucial as it establishes the link between the infection and the subsequent development of arthropathy, which is necessary for accurate coding and treatment planning.