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 CodesM05.242

M05.242

Billable

Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of left hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.242 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of left hand.

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 is specifically affecting the left hand, where joint involvement is common in RA. The pathophysiology involves immune-mediated damage to the vascular endothelium, leading to vasculitis. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the left hand, along with systemic symptoms like fatigue and malaise. Anatomically, the left hand consists of multiple joints including the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and distal interphalangeal joints, all of which can be affected by RA. The presence of vasculitis may exacerbate joint damage and functional limitations, necessitating a comprehensive treatment approach that includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and possibly corticosteroids to manage inflammation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (joints, blood vessels)
  • Need for precise documentation of laterality and severity
  • Potential for systemic complications affecting coding
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Failure to document systemic symptoms related to vasculitis
  • Misclassification of laterality (left vs. right hand)
  • Lack of evidence for treatment efficacy and disease progression

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, functional assessments to evaluate range of motion, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for joint deformities or severe pain management, as well as joint injections for localized inflammation.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must specify which joints are involved and the degree of functional impairment, as this can influence treatment decisions and coding.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with exacerbations of RA, requiring adjustments in DMARD therapy or the introduction of biologics.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement must be documented, including any manifestations of vasculitis beyond the joints, such as skin lesions or neuropathy.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and the need for assistive devices, as well as rehabilitation goals.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include post-surgical recovery or management of chronic pain and disability.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address mobility limitations and the impact on daily activities, which is crucial for therapy planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.242 When
  • Official coding guidelines require accurate documentation of laterality (left hand), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Coders must ensure that all relevant conditions are documented to support the use of M05

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.242 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 injections in the left hand to manage inflammation.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific joint injected, the volume of corticosteroid used, and the patient's response.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint health and 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, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. M05.242 reflects the complexity of managing rheumatoid arthritis with systemic involvement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. M05.242 reflects the complexity of managing rheumatoid arthritis with systemic involvement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. M05.242 reflects the complexity of managing rheumatoid arthritis with systemic involvement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key documentation requirements for coding M05.242?

Key documentation requirements include clear identification of joint involvement, evidence of systemic symptoms related to vasculitis, and detailed treatment plans that reflect the complexity of managing both rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis.