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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.349

M05.349

Billable

Rheumatoid heart disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.349 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid heart disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified 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 potential destruction of cartilage and bone. The heart involvement can manifest as pericarditis, myocarditis, or valvular heart disease due to systemic inflammation. Anatomically, the heart's structure may be affected, leading to functional impairments. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, stiffness, particularly in the morning, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever. The unspecified hand involvement indicates that the specific hand affected is not documented, which can complicate treatment and rehabilitation planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and cardiovascular)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity
  • Potential for systemic complications affecting treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement
  • Failure to document the severity of heart disease
  • Lack of clarity on the unspecified hand involvement
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions

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 and pain levels.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include joint replacement surgeries or arthroscopic procedures for severe joint damage.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must specify which joints are affected and the degree of functional impairment.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve medication management, including DMARDs and biologics, and monitoring for systemic involvement.

Billing Considerations

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

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate the patient's ability to perform daily activities and any need for assistive devices.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy for joint mobility and strength training.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be clearly documented, along with any adaptations made for daily living.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.349 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines that require documentation of laterality (if applicable), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Ensure that the unspecified hand is clearly documented to avoid ambiguity

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.349 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 heart involvement.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatology and cardiology considerations for comprehensive care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding for musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of complications like rheumatoid heart disease. This specificity aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding for musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of complications like rheumatoid heart disease. This specificity aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding for musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of complications like rheumatoid heart disease. This specificity aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

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 M05.349?

Key documentation includes clear identification of joint involvement, severity of heart disease, inflammatory markers, and treatment response. Ensure that the unspecified hand is documented to avoid ambiguity.