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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.329

M02.329

Billable

Reiter's disease, unspecified elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.329 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of reiter's disease, unspecified elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body. It is characterized by the classic triad of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis, although not all patients exhibit all three symptoms. In the case of unspecified elbow involvement, the condition manifests as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the elbow joint, which can limit range of motion and functional ability. Anatomically, the elbow joint consists of the humerus, radius, and ulna, with ligaments and tendons providing stability and facilitating movement. Pathophysiologically, Reiter's disease is associated with an autoimmune response triggered by infections, often involving the genitourinary or gastrointestinal systems. Clinically, patients may present with acute onset of joint pain, tenderness, and swelling, particularly in the elbow, which can lead to significant functional impairment and disability if not managed appropriately.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptomatology
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of joint involvement
  • Differentiation from other inflammatory arthritides
  • Potential for systemic manifestations affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement
  • Failure to document prior infections or triggers
  • Misclassification of the condition as a primary diagnosis
  • Lack of specificity in describing the elbow involvement

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, functional assessments to evaluate range of motion, and detailed notes on joint swelling and tenderness.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include acute exacerbations of elbow pain following a recent infection, requiring surgical intervention for joint debridement or synovectomy.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should specify the severity of joint involvement and any functional limitations experienced by the patient.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), HLA-B27 antigen testing, and assessments of disease activity using validated scales.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with systemic symptoms such as fever or fatigue alongside joint pain, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of autoimmune activity.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement, such as ocular or genitourinary symptoms, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy to improve joint mobility and strength following an acute flare-up.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address mobility limitations and the impact on the patient's quality of life.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.329 When
  • Official coding guidelines require specificity in documenting the laterality of the elbow involvement and the severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, subsequent, or sequela) must also be clearly indicated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.329 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 patients with Reiter's disease.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the indication for the procedure, joint involved, and any prior treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint health and 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 disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. Coders must be diligent in documenting the specifics of joint involvement and associated symptoms.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. Coders must be diligent in documenting the specifics of joint involvement and associated symptoms.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. Coders must be diligent in documenting the specifics of joint involvement and associated symptoms.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of Reiter's disease?

Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees and elbows, along with possible urethritis and conjunctivitis. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever.