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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.349

M02.349

Billable

Reiter's disease, unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.349 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of reiter's disease, unspecified hand.

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. In the context of the hand, Reiter's disease can lead to swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints, particularly affecting the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Anatomically, the hand consists of 27 bones, including the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges, which can become inflamed due to the autoimmune response triggered by infections such as Chlamydia or gastrointestinal pathogens. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion, which can significantly impact daily activities. The pathophysiology involves an immune-mediated response where the body mistakenly attacks its own joint tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and potential joint damage if left untreated.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Varied clinical presentation and joint involvement
  • Potential for systemic symptoms complicating diagnosis
  • Need for differentiation from other arthritic conditions
  • Documentation of prior infections and their relation to symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of infection history
  • Failure to specify joint involvement
  • Misclassification of reactive arthritis as primary arthritis
  • Lack of evidence for systemic involvement

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with acute onset of hand pain following a recent infection, requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention if joint damage is significant.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include the need to document the severity of inflammation and any functional limitations affecting the patient's ability to perform daily tasks.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and disease activity assessments to monitor progression.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may require additional documentation of extra-articular manifestations, such as skin lesions or ocular symptoms.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should focus on mobility limitations, pain levels, and the need for assistive devices to aid in rehabilitation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include post-acute care for patients recovering from severe flare-ups, emphasizing the restoration of function and pain management.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should reflect the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and any modifications needed for safety.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.349 When
  • 10 coding guidelines for M02
  • 349 require specificity regarding laterality (if applicable) and the severity of the condition
  • Documentation must reflect the encounter type, whether it is an initial visit, follow
  • up, or a flare
  • up of a chronic condition

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.349 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 swelling and pain management in Reiter's disease.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the amount of fluid aspirated, and any therapeutic agents injected.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include the need for imaging to guide the 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 disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

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 hands and feet, along with possible conjunctivitis and urethritis. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever.