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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.279

M05.279

Billable

Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.279 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified ankle and foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, leading to ischemia and potential tissue damage. In this case, the involvement of the ankle and foot indicates that the vasculitis is affecting the vascular supply to these areas, which can result in pain, swelling, and functional limitations. Anatomically, the ankle consists of the tibia, fibula, and talus, while the foot comprises multiple bones including the metatarsals and phalanges. The inflammatory process can lead to joint destruction, deformities, and significant mobility issues. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, tenderness, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise. The diagnosis requires careful evaluation of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies, and imaging studies to assess joint involvement and vascular changes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (ankle and foot)
  • Overlap of rheumatologic and vascular pathology
  • Need for detailed documentation of systemic symptoms
  • Potential for severe complications affecting mobility

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic involvement
  • Failure to specify joint involvement accurately
  • Misclassification of severity or laterality
  • Lack of supporting lab results or imaging studies

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint integrity and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for joint deformities or severe pain management.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must detail the specific joints affected and the severity of any deformities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include lab results for inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and disease activity scores.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Autoimmune flare-ups requiring medication adjustments or systemic treatment.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement and monitoring for complications of vasculitis.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document mobility limitations and rehabilitation needs.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following joint surgery or management of chronic pain.

Billing Considerations

Assessment of assistive devices and home modifications for improved mobility.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.279 When
  • 10 coding guidelines require specificity in documenting laterality (if applicable), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.279 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 RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

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

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 allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, 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, enabling better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

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.

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, swelling, skin lesions, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise. Patients may also experience ischemic changes in the affected areas.