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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.442

M05.442

Billable

Rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of left hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.442 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of left hand.

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 hand is specifically involved, indicating localized joint inflammation and potential muscle involvement. 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 pathophysiology involves synovial inflammation leading to joint damage, which can also impact the surrounding musculature, resulting in myopathy. Clinically, patients may present with weakness, decreased grip strength, and pain in the left hand, affecting their ability to perform daily activities. The condition may also lead to deformities and functional limitations over time, necessitating a comprehensive treatment approach that includes medication, physical therapy, and possibly surgical interventions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (muscles, joints, tendons)
  • Need for precise documentation of laterality and severity
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Variability in clinical presentation and response to treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of muscle weakness or myopathy
  • Failure to specify laterality (left hand)
  • Lack of evidence for the severity of joint involvement
  • Misclassification of rheumatoid arthritis type

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 deformities or tendon repairs due to RA-related damage.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include documenting any surgical history, current joint status, and functional limitations.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Autoimmune scenarios may involve managing systemic symptoms and coordinating care for comorbid conditions.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may require documentation of extra-articular manifestations and their impact on overall health.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and the need for assistive devices.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy for strength training and functional restoration.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be documented in detail, including the impact on daily living activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.442 When
  • Official coding guidelines require coders to specify laterality (left hand) and the severity of the condition
  • Additionally, the encounter type (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • ) must be documented to ensure accurate coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.442 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97110CPT Code

Therapeutic exercises

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with treatment for muscle weakness in rheumatoid myopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the specific exercises performed and the patient's response.

Specialty Considerations

Physical therapy documentation should reflect the interdisciplinary approach to managing RA.

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. The detailed codes facilitate more accurate billing and improved patient care management.

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. The detailed codes facilitate more accurate billing and improved patient care management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing and improved patient care management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of laterality in coding rheumatoid myopathy?

Laterality is crucial in coding as it specifies which side of the body is affected, impacting treatment plans and reimbursement. Accurate documentation ensures that the specific condition is clearly communicated to payers and healthcare providers.