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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.239

M05.239

Billable

Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified wrist

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.239 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified wrist.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by inflammation of blood vessels that can lead to ischemia and tissue damage. In this case, the condition affects the wrist, which is composed of eight carpal bones, the radius, and the ulna. The wrist joint allows for a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, and radial/ulnar deviation. Patients may present with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The presence of vasculitis can exacerbate symptoms, leading to skin lesions, neuropathy, or systemic involvement. Clinically, this condition requires careful monitoring and management to prevent complications such as joint deformities or functional impairment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple systems (musculoskeletal and vascular)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Potential for systemic manifestations complicating treatment
  • Variability in clinical presentation and response to treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Failure to document systemic symptoms related to vasculitis
  • Misclassification of the type of arthritis or vasculitis
  • Lack of supporting evidence for treatment decisions

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 should specify the severity of joint involvement and any surgical history.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of systemic symptoms and adjustment of DMARDs or biologics based on disease progression.

Billing Considerations

Monitoring for systemic involvement and potential complications of vasculitis.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring function and managing pain.

Billing Considerations

Addressing mobility limitations and developing individualized treatment plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.239 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (if applicable), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and any related procedures

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.239 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 RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any complications.

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 increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for 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 rheumatoid vasculitis?

Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, skin lesions, neuropathy, and systemic symptoms like fatigue and weight loss. Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent complications.