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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.422

M05.422

Billable

Rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of left elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.422 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of left elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid myopathy is a condition characterized by muscle weakness and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. In this case, the left elbow is specifically involved. The pathophysiology involves inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to joint damage and systemic effects, including muscle involvement. Clinically, patients may present with weakness in the left arm, difficulty in performing daily activities, and pain localized to the elbow joint. Anatomically, the elbow consists of the humerus, radius, and ulna, with surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments that may be affected by the inflammatory process. The condition can lead to significant functional limitations, impacting the range of motion and strength of the elbow joint, which is crucial for activities such as lifting and carrying. Early diagnosis and management are essential to prevent further joint damage and improve quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (muscle, joint, and connective tissue)
  • Need for precise documentation of laterality and severity
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other rheumatologic conditions
  • Variability in clinical presentation and response to treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of muscle weakness and functional limitations
  • Failure to specify laterality (left elbow) in documentation
  • Misclassification of rheumatoid myopathy as a separate condition
  • Lack of evidence for disease activity markers in rheumatology documentation

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

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for joint repair or replacement, and management of acute exacerbations of symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include documenting the severity of joint involvement and any deformities present.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must 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 managing systemic symptoms and adjusting disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may require monitoring for extra-articular manifestations of RA.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document the patient's mobility limitations and rehabilitation needs, including any assistive devices required.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy for strength training and range of motion exercises.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include the impact of muscle weakness on daily activities and the need for adaptive strategies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.422 When
  • Official coding guidelines for M05
  • 422 require accurate documentation of laterality (left elbow), severity of symptoms, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the clinical documentation provided by the healthcare provider

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.422 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to assess RA and myopathy management.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatology considerations include monitoring disease activity and adjusting treatment.

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used for joint injections to manage inflammation in the left elbow.

Documentation Requirements

Indicate the joint involved and the reason for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint stability and function.

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. M05.422 captures both the myopathy and joint involvement, which is crucial for appropriate management and reimbursement.

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. M05.422 captures both the myopathy and joint involvement, which is crucial for appropriate management and reimbursement.

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 common symptoms of rheumatoid myopathy?

Common symptoms include muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue, particularly in the proximal muscles. Patients may also experience joint pain and swelling, especially in the affected joints, such as the elbow.