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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.83

M02.83

Billable

Other reactive arthropathies, wrist

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.83 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other reactive arthropathies, wrist.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M02.83 refers to other reactive arthropathies affecting the wrist, which are inflammatory joint conditions that arise as a reaction to infections or other stimuli outside the joint itself. The wrist, anatomically composed of the distal radius and ulna, along with eight carpal bones, is a complex joint that allows for a wide range of motion. Reactive arthropathies can manifest as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the wrist, often following infections such as urethritis or gastrointestinal infections. Clinically, patients may present with limited range of motion, tenderness, and swelling around the wrist joint, which can significantly impact daily activities. The pathophysiology involves an immune-mediated response where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent chronic joint issues.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to reactive arthropathies
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and symptoms
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis
  • Potential for systemic involvement requiring comprehensive assessment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings and symptoms
  • Failure to specify laterality of wrist involvement
  • Misclassification of reactive arthropathies as primary arthritic conditions
  • Lack of supporting evidence for the diagnosis in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with wrist pain following a recent infection, requiring orthopedic evaluation for potential joint damage or surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

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

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit symptoms of reactive arthritis following a gastrointestinal infection, necessitating a rheumatologic evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement and monitoring for disease progression is essential.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should detail the patient's mobility limitations and rehabilitation needs, including any assistive devices required.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require rehabilitation following acute inflammatory episodes to restore function and mobility.

Billing Considerations

Documenting specific mobility limitations and the impact on daily activities is important for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.83 When
  • Official coding guidelines require specificity in documenting laterality (right, left, bilateral) and the severity of the condition
  • Encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela) must also be accurately recorded

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.83 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 patients with significant joint effusion in the wrist due to reactive arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, joint involved, and any imaging guidance used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint aspiration and injection.

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 reactive arthropathies and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling 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. These conditions trigger an immune response that leads to joint inflammation.