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 CodesM05.03

M05.03

Billable

Felty's syndrome, wrist

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of felty's syndrome, wrist.

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 wrist, patients may experience significant joint inflammation, pain, and deformity due to the underlying autoimmune process. Anatomically, the wrist consists of eight carpal bones, which articulate with the radius and ulna, allowing for a wide range of motion. In Felty's syndrome, the inflammatory process can lead to synovitis, joint erosion, and functional impairment. Clinically, patients may present with swelling, tenderness, and decreased range of motion in the wrist, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. The pathophysiology involves immune-mediated damage to the synovial tissue, leading to chronic inflammation and joint destruction.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of autoimmune processes and their impact on musculoskeletal structures.
  • Involves specific anatomical knowledge of the wrist joint and surrounding tissues.
  • Documentation must reflect both systemic and localized manifestations of the disease.
  • Differentiation from other forms of arthritis and related conditions is necessary.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic involvement or disease severity.
  • Failure to document co-existing conditions that may affect treatment.
  • Misclassification of joint involvement leading to incorrect coding.
  • Lack of clarity in the documentation of functional limitations.

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 require surgical intervention for joint repair or replacement due to severe erosion and pain.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic assessments must detail the extent of joint involvement and any deformities present.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28 score).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of Felty's syndrome often involves immunosuppressive therapy and monitoring for complications.

Billing Considerations

Documenting systemic symptoms and their impact on joint health is crucial.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation may focus on restoring function and managing pain through physical therapy.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be clearly documented to support the need for therapy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.03 When
  • 10 coding guidelines require specificity regarding laterality (e
  • , left wrist, right wrist) and severity of the condition
  • Documentation must reflect the encounter type (initial, follow
  • up) and any relevant comorbidities

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.03 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 Felty's syndrome.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the procedure performed, and the patient's response.

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, enabling better tracking of disease progression 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 progression 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 progression 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 Felty's syndrome?

Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, particularly in the wrists and hands, fatigue, splenomegaly, and recurrent infections due to neutropenia.