ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.38

M02.38

Billable

Reiter's disease, vertebrae

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.38 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of reiter's disease, vertebrae.

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 vertebrae, Reiter's disease can lead to spondylitis, which is inflammation of the spinal joints. This condition primarily affects the sacroiliac joints and can lead to significant pain and stiffness in the lower back. Anatomically, the vertebrae consist of 33 individual bones that form the spinal column, providing structural support and protecting the spinal cord. The inflammation associated with Reiter's disease can result in movement limitations, particularly in the lumbar and sacral regions, leading to decreased range of motion and functional impairment. Clinically, patients may present with back pain, tenderness over the affected joints, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise. Diagnosis is often supported by imaging studies that reveal changes in the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae, as well as laboratory tests to identify underlying infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Varied clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Potential overlap with other inflammatory arthritides
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of joint involvement
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Failure to document the underlying infection triggering the condition
  • Misclassification of the condition as a primary diagnosis without supporting evidence
  • Lack of follow-up documentation to support ongoing treatment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging results (X-rays, MRI) showing vertebral involvement, functional assessments of mobility, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with chronic back pain requiring surgical intervention for severe spondylitis or joint fusion.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the severity of joint involvement and any surgical history is crucial for accurate coding.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), disease activity scores, and any systemic symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with acute inflammatory episodes following a genitourinary or gastrointestinal infection.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement, such as skin or eye symptoms, should be documented to support the diagnosis.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility limitations, pain levels, and the need for assistive devices.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require rehabilitation services to improve mobility and manage pain.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the impact of the disease on daily activities and rehabilitation progress is essential.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.38 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Specificity in documenting the relationship between the infection and the arthritis is crucial

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.38 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 pain management in patients with Reiter's disease.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint effusion and the need for imaging prior to 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 coders to capture the nuances of Reiter's disease and its impact on the vertebrae more accurately.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling coders to capture the nuances of Reiter's disease and its impact on the vertebrae more accurately.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling coders to capture the nuances of Reiter's disease and its impact on the vertebrae more accurately.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines for the Management of Reiter's Disease

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines for the Management of Reiter's Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of Reiter's disease?

Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, particularly in the lower back and sacroiliac joints, as well as systemic symptoms like fatigue and conjunctivitis.