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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.16

M05.16

Billable

Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.16 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid lung disease is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, or pulmonary nodules. The knee joint, a hinge joint formed by the femur, tibia, and patella, is commonly affected in RA, leading to synovitis, joint effusion, and potential deformities. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The lung involvement can manifest as dyspnea, cough, and reduced exercise tolerance, complicating the overall management of RA. The interplay between systemic inflammation and joint pathology necessitates a comprehensive approach to treatment, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and supportive therapies for lung function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and respiratory)
  • Need for detailed documentation of joint and lung symptoms
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses and complications
  • Variability in disease presentation and severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of lung involvement
  • Failure to specify laterality of knee involvement
  • Misclassification of severity of disease
  • Omission of relevant comorbidities

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, functional assessments, and treatment plans detailing surgical or non-surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include knee arthroscopy for synovitis or joint replacement in advanced cases.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect the severity of joint involvement and any deformities present.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies), imaging for lung involvement, and assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28 score).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with exacerbations of RA requiring adjustment of DMARD therapy.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement must be documented, including any pulmonary function tests.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may involve physical therapy for knee function and pulmonary rehabilitation for lung disease.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address the impact of joint and lung disease on overall functional capacity.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.16 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) for knee involvement, specify the severity of both the rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease, and note the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, or exacerbation)

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.16 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 knee joint effusion management in RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations for joint management and rheumatologic considerations for disease activity.

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 the ability to capture systemic involvement and laterality, which is crucial for accurate billing and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including the ability to capture systemic involvement and laterality, which is crucial for accurate billing and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing and treatment planning.

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 rheumatoid lung disease?

Common symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort, often associated with the underlying rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness.