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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.81

M02.81

Billable

Other reactive arthropathies, shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other reactive arthropathies, shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M02.81 refers to other reactive arthropathies affecting the shoulder joint, which can arise from various infectious or inflammatory processes. The shoulder joint, comprising the glenohumeral joint, acromioclavicular joint, and scapulothoracic articulation, is highly mobile and susceptible to a range of conditions. Reactive arthropathies often occur following infections elsewhere in the body, such as gastrointestinal or genitourinary infections, leading to inflammation in the shoulder. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion, particularly in abduction and external rotation. The pathophysiology involves immune-mediated responses that can lead to synovitis and joint effusion, impacting the joint's biomechanics and function. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to rule out other causes of shoulder pain.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes (infectious, autoimmune)
  • Need for differential diagnosis with other shoulder conditions
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity
  • Documentation of joint-specific symptoms and functional limitations

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify laterality of the shoulder affected
  • Misclassification with other arthropathies
  • Lack of supporting imaging or lab results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include post-infectious arthritis following a gastrointestinal infection or reactive arthritis after a genitourinary infection.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include documenting the severity of symptoms and functional limitations, particularly in activities of daily living.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity to evaluate the systemic impact of the reactive arthropathy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Autoimmune and inflammatory scenarios may include patients with a history of reactive arthritis or those presenting with systemic symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include monitoring for systemic involvement and documenting disease progression.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and the need for rehabilitation interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve post-therapy evaluations and functional restoration following acute inflammatory episodes.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations and the need for assistive devices should be documented to support rehabilitation goals.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.81 When
  • Official coding guidelines require specificity in laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela) must also be documented appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.81 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 reactive arthropathies.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the procedure performed, and the indication for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint stability and potential for surgical intervention.

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 reactive arthropathies and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of reactive arthropathies and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of reactive arthropathies and their management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of reactive arthropathies?

Common causes include infections such as Chlamydia, gastrointestinal infections, and viral illnesses, which can trigger an immune response leading to joint inflammation.