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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.02

M05.02

Billable

Felty's syndrome, elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of felty's syndrome, elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Felty's syndrome is a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis characterized by the triad of rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia. In the context of the elbow, patients may experience significant joint involvement leading to pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Anatomically, the elbow joint consists of the humerus, radius, and ulna, with ligaments and tendons providing stability and facilitating movement. Pathophysiologically, Felty's syndrome results from immune dysregulation, leading to systemic inflammation and joint destruction. Clinically, patients may present with joint deformities, limited mobility, and increased susceptibility to infections due to neutropenia. The elbow may exhibit synovitis, effusion, and erosive changes on imaging, necessitating comprehensive evaluation and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple systems (rheumatologic and hematologic)
  • Need for detailed documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment response

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Failure to capture neutropenia or splenomegaly in the medical record
  • Misclassification of the condition as a primary diagnosis without supporting evidence
  • Lack of interdisciplinary notes that support the complexity of the condition

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) showing joint changes, functional assessments of elbow range of motion, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical intervention for joint deformities or severe pain management, as well as joint injections for symptomatic relief.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect the severity of joint involvement and any functional limitations impacting daily activities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), complete blood counts to monitor neutropenia, and assessments of disease activity.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with exacerbations of rheumatoid arthritis, requiring adjustments in disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement must be documented, including any complications arising from neutropenia.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy for range of motion improvement and strength training.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and any adaptations required.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.02 When
  • Official coding guidelines require accurate documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of joint involvement, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Coders must ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.02 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 symptomatic relief in patients with elbow effusion due to Felty's syndrome.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include indication for the procedure, joint involved, and any imaging guidance used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint management.

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, particularly those with systemic involvement like Felty's syndrome, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those with systemic involvement like Felty's syndrome, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those with systemic involvement like Felty's syndrome, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of Felty's syndrome?

Felty's syndrome is characterized by rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia. Patients may experience joint pain, swelling, and increased risk of infections due to low neutrophil counts.