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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.29

M02.29

Billable

Postimmunization arthropathy, multiple sites

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.29 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postimmunization arthropathy, multiple sites.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postimmunization arthropathy refers to joint pain and inflammation that occurs following vaccination, affecting multiple joints. The pathophysiology involves an immune-mediated response where the body reacts to the vaccine components, leading to synovitis and arthralgia. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as joint swelling, stiffness, and pain, typically within days to weeks after vaccination. Commonly affected joints include the knees, wrists, and hands, reflecting the systemic nature of the immune response. Anatomically, the synovial joints are involved, where the synovial membrane becomes inflamed, leading to increased synovial fluid production and joint effusion. This condition is often self-limiting but can significantly impact mobility and quality of life during its course.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of presenting symptoms across different joints
  • Potential overlap with other inflammatory arthropathies
  • Need for thorough documentation of vaccination history
  • Variability in patient response to immunization

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of vaccination history
  • Failure to specify joint involvement
  • Misclassification of the condition as a primary arthropathy
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment response

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 mobility limitations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with acute joint pain following vaccination, requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention if conservative management fails.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should specify which joints are affected and the severity of symptoms to guide treatment decisions.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must include laboratory tests for inflammation markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity to monitor the immune response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever alongside joint pain, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation for autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement is crucial, as postimmunization arthropathy can mimic other rheumatologic disorders.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate the patient's ability to perform daily activities and any rehabilitation needs for mobility restoration.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion after experiencing joint pain.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address any assistive devices used and the patient's progress in rehabilitation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.29 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of symptoms, and the type of encounter (initial visit, follow
  • up, etc
  • ) to comply with official coding guidelines

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.29 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 joint pain and treatment response.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include history of present illness, review of systems, and physical examination findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint assessment.

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 postimmunization arthropathy and its impact on patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of postimmunization arthropathy and its impact on patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Immunization Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Immunization Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of postimmunization arthropathy?

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, typically affecting multiple joints such as the knees, wrists, and hands, occurring within days to weeks after vaccination.