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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.049

M05.049

Billable

Felty's syndrome, unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.049 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of felty's syndrome, unspecified hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Felty's syndrome is a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis characterized by the triad of rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia. The condition primarily affects the immune system and can lead to significant musculoskeletal manifestations. Anatomically, the hand is often involved, with joint inflammation leading to pain, swelling, and deformities. Patients may experience limited range of motion due to synovitis affecting the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. The pathophysiology involves autoimmune processes that result in joint destruction and systemic effects, including increased susceptibility to infections due to neutropenia. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, fatigue, and splenic enlargement, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation to manage both the rheumatologic and orthopedic aspects of the disease.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of autoimmune disease mechanisms
  • Involves multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and hematologic)
  • Documentation of joint involvement and systemic symptoms
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses with rheumatoid arthritis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement
  • Failure to document systemic symptoms like splenomegaly
  • Misclassification of severity or laterality
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions

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 deformities or severe pain management.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must specify which joints are affected and the degree of functional impairment.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include lab results for rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and complete blood counts to monitor neutrophil levels.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of Felty's syndrome may involve immunosuppressive therapy and monitoring for infections.

Billing Considerations

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

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be clearly documented to support rehabilitation goals.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.049 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of symptoms, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Specificity in joint involvement is crucial for proper coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.049 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 management in Felty's syndrome patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document joint aspiration details, including the joint involved and the volume of fluid removed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations for joint health and rheumatologic implications for inflammation 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, including Felty's syndrome, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including Felty's syndrome, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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, fatigue, recurrent infections due to neutropenia, and splenomegaly. Patients may also experience decreased mobility in affected joints.