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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.251

M02.251

Billable

Postimmunization arthropathy, right hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.251 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postimmunization arthropathy, right hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postimmunization arthropathy refers to joint pain and inflammation that occurs following vaccination. In this case, the right hip is specifically affected. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the acetabulum of the pelvis and the head of the femur. It is surrounded by a joint capsule and supported by ligaments and muscles that facilitate movement and stability. The pathophysiology of postimmunization arthropathy may involve an autoimmune response triggered by the vaccine, leading to synovitis and joint inflammation. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the right hip, which can affect activities of daily living. Symptoms may arise days to weeks after vaccination and can vary in severity. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and exclusion of other causes of hip pain.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of immunological responses to vaccines
  • Involves specific anatomical knowledge of the hip joint
  • Differentiation from other arthropathies is necessary
  • Documentation of laterality is critical

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of vaccination history
  • Failure to specify laterality
  • Misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with other arthropathies
  • Lack of supporting imaging or clinical findings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include patients presenting with hip pain after receiving a vaccine, requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention if conservative management fails.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include assessing for any structural damage or chronic changes in the hip joint due to inflammation.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammation markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity to rule out other inflammatory conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with systemic symptoms alongside localized hip pain, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation for autoimmune disorders.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement is crucial, as postimmunization arthropathy may mimic other rheumatologic conditions.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document the patient's mobility limitations, pain levels, and rehabilitation needs to guide treatment planning.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve physical therapy to restore hip function and mobility following postimmunization arthropathy.

Billing Considerations

Assessment of assistive device needs may be necessary for patients with significant mobility limitations.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.251 When
  • Official coding guidelines require documentation of laterality (right hip), severity of symptoms, and the encounter type (initial visit, follow
  • up, etc
  • Accurate coding also necessitates a clear link between the immunization and the arthropathy

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.251 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 a patient with postimmunization arthropathy requires joint aspiration for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the reason for the procedure, joint involved, and any imaging guidance used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations include assessing the need for joint injections to manage inflammation.

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, particularly in documenting the relationship between immunizations and subsequent arthropathies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in documenting the relationship between immunizations and subsequent arthropathies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in documenting the relationship between immunizations and subsequent arthropathies.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Guidelines
  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Recommendations

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Guidelines
  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of postimmunization arthropathy?

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion, typically occurring within days to weeks after vaccination.