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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.24

M02.24

Billable

Postimmunization arthropathy, hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.24 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postimmunization arthropathy, hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postimmunization arthropathy refers to joint pain and inflammation that occurs following vaccination. This condition can affect the hand, leading to symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints of the fingers and wrist. Anatomically, the hand consists of multiple joints, including the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and distal interphalangeal joints, all of which can be involved. The pathophysiology may involve an autoimmune response triggered by the vaccine, leading to synovitis and subsequent arthritic symptoms. Clinically, patients may present with limited range of motion, tenderness upon palpation, and potential swelling in the affected joints. The condition is typically self-limiting but can require symptomatic treatment such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids to manage inflammation and pain.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-vaccination immune responses
  • Differentiation from other arthropathies
  • Documentation of joint-specific symptoms
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of vaccination history
  • Failure to specify laterality of joint involvement
  • Misclassification of arthropathy type
  • Lack of clear linkage between symptoms and vaccination

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 range of motion.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with acute onset of hand pain following vaccination, requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention if conservative measures fail.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for any structural damage or chronic changes due to prolonged inflammation.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may have a history of autoimmune disorders, complicating the clinical picture and requiring careful monitoring.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement should be assessed, particularly in patients with a history of autoimmune diseases.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate the patient's ability to perform daily activities and any need for rehabilitation services.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the hand post-arthropathy.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations may necessitate the use of assistive devices or modifications in daily activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.24 When
  • Official coding guidelines require documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of symptoms
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up) must also be clearly documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.24 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to assess ongoing symptoms and treatment response.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for ongoing management.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of postimmunization arthropathies and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of postimmunization arthropathies and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of postimmunization arthropathies and their management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Vaccination Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Vaccination Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of postimmunization arthropathy?

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the affected joints, particularly in the hands.