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 CodesM05.34

M05.34

Billable

Rheumatoid heart disease with rheumatoid arthritis of hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.34 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid heart disease with rheumatoid arthritis of hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid heart disease is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, leading to joint swelling, pain, and eventual joint destruction. The hands are commonly affected, with involvement of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, leading to deformities such as ulnar deviation and swan-neck deformities. Rheumatoid heart disease can manifest as pericarditis, myocarditis, or valvular heart disease due to the systemic nature of RA. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain and swelling in the hands, fatigue, and cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. The interplay between joint and cardiac involvement necessitates a comprehensive treatment approach, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and possibly surgical interventions for severe joint damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Multisystem involvement (musculoskeletal and cardiovascular)
  • Need for detailed documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on disease progression

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Failure to capture systemic manifestations of RA
  • Misclassification of heart disease severity
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and outcomes

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 detailed notes on joint deformities.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for severe joint deformities or arthroplasties in the hands.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must specify the joints involved, the degree of deformity, and any functional limitations.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include lab results for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP), assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28), and notes on systemic involvement.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve managing flares of RA and adjusting DMARD therapy based on disease progression.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement must be documented, including any cardiovascular symptoms or complications.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include post-operative recovery from hand surgeries or therapy for joint stiffness.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations and the impact on daily activities must be clearly documented.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.34 When
  • Coders must adhere to guidelines regarding laterality (e
  • , specifying right or left hand involvement), severity of joint damage, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, or exacerbation)

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.34 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 in RA patients, especially in the hands.

Documentation Requirements

Document joint involved, amount of fluid removed, and any therapeutic agents injected.

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 conditions like M05.34, enabling better tracking of comorbidities and improving patient care through targeted treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like M05.34, enabling better tracking of comorbidities and improving patient care through targeted treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 M05.34?

Key documentation includes detailed descriptions of joint involvement, severity of symptoms, any systemic manifestations, and treatment plans that address both rheumatoid arthritis and cardiac complications.