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 CodesM05.20

M05.20

Billable

Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified site

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified site.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) that can lead to ischemia and damage to various organs. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation. Anatomically, it can affect small to medium-sized vessels, potentially impacting the skin, nerves, and internal organs. Clinically, patients may present with systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and weight loss, alongside joint symptoms typical of RA, including pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the hands and feet. The presence of vasculitis can exacerbate joint involvement and lead to additional complications, such as peripheral neuropathy or skin ulcers. Diagnosis often involves serological tests for rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, alongside imaging studies to assess joint and vascular involvement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Multisystem involvement complicates diagnosis and treatment.
  • Requires understanding of both rheumatologic and vascular pathology.
  • Documentation must capture both joint and systemic manifestations.
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other autoimmune conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic symptoms leading to misclassification.
  • Failure to document the severity of vasculitis.
  • Lack of clarity on joint involvement and laterality.
  • Inconsistent use of laboratory and imaging results in documentation.

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 mobility limitations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require joint surgeries or interventions due to severe joint damage from RA and vasculitis.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must specify which joints are affected and the extent of damage, as well as any surgical interventions performed.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of RA with vasculitis may involve immunosuppressive therapies and monitoring for systemic complications.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement must be documented, including any organ-specific symptoms or complications.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation may focus on restoring function and managing pain in patients with significant joint involvement.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address mobility limitations and any adaptations required for daily living.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.20 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of symptoms, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Specificity in documenting joint involvement is crucial for proper coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 4

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to manage RA and assess for vasculitis complications.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include history, examination findings, and management plan.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatology focus on disease activity and systemic involvement.

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 in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis.

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 in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including the ability to capture systemic involvement in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis.

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 vasculitis?

Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, skin ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, and systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise. It is essential to monitor for these symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.