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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.171

M02.171

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy, right ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.171 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy, right ankle and foot.

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, particularly in the lower extremities, including the right ankle and foot. Anatomically, the right ankle consists of the tibia, fibula, and talus, while the foot comprises multiple bones including the metatarsals and phalanges. Clinically, patients may present with swelling, pain, and stiffness in the affected joints, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise. The pathophysiology involves an immune-mediated response triggered by the initial gastrointestinal infection, leading to inflammation in the joints. Movement limitations may include reduced range of motion and difficulty bearing weight on the affected limb, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-infectious arthritis mechanisms
  • Involves specific anatomical knowledge of the ankle and foot
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis is necessary
  • Documentation of laterality is critical for accurate coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the initial dysentery episode
  • Failure to specify laterality of joint involvement
  • Lack of detailed clinical findings related to joint function
  • Misclassification of the condition as primary arthritis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint integrity and functional assessments to evaluate mobility and pain levels.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include patients presenting with acute joint pain following gastrointestinal infections, requiring surgical intervention for severe cases.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for joint effusion, synovitis, and potential need for arthrocentesis.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with systemic symptoms alongside joint pain, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation for autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement and monitoring for chronicity of the arthropathy is essential.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and any rehabilitation needs.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve physical therapy to restore joint function and mobility.

Billing Considerations

Assessment of mobility limitations and the need for assistive devices (e.g., braces, crutches) is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.171 When
  • Official coding guidelines require documentation of laterality (right ankle and foot), severity of symptoms, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Accurate coding also necessitates linking the arthropathy to the prior dysentery episode

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.171 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 patients with joint effusion in the right ankle requiring drainage.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint stability post-procedure.

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

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

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is postdysenteric arthropathy?

Postdysenteric arthropathy is a reactive arthritis that occurs after a gastrointestinal infection, leading to inflammation in the joints, particularly in the lower extremities.