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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.46

M05.46

Billable

Rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.46 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis of knee.

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 knee joint is specifically involved. Anatomically, the knee is a complex hinge joint formed by the femur, tibia, and patella, surrounded by ligaments, tendons, and synovial fluid. Pathophysiologically, RA leads to chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane, resulting in joint damage and systemic effects, including muscle involvement. Clinically, patients may present with joint swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the knee, alongside muscle weakness and fatigue. The myopathy can manifest as proximal muscle weakness, affecting the ability to perform daily activities and impacting overall mobility.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and systemic)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Differentiation from other types of myopathy and arthritis
  • Potential for comorbid conditions affecting treatment and coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of muscle weakness and its impact on function
  • Failure to specify laterality of knee involvement
  • Lack of evidence for the diagnosis of rheumatoid myopathy
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions or complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage, functional assessments to evaluate range of motion, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include joint replacement surgeries, arthroscopic procedures, and management of joint deformities.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect the severity of joint involvement and any associated deformities or functional limitations.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve the initiation or adjustment of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and monitoring for side effects.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic manifestations of RA and their impact on treatment decisions is crucial.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should detail the patient's mobility limitations, rehabilitation goals, and any assistive devices used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Focus on the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and the impact of myopathy on rehabilitation outcomes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.46 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (specifying right or left knee), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.46 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 knee joint effusion management in RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, joint involved, and any findings during the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic perspectives on 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. M05.46 reflects the complexity of managing rheumatoid arthritis with associated myopathy, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

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. M05.46 reflects the complexity of managing rheumatoid arthritis with associated myopathy, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

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. M05.46 reflects the complexity of managing rheumatoid arthritis with associated myopathy, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of documenting muscle weakness in rheumatoid arthritis?

Documenting muscle weakness is crucial as it impacts treatment decisions, rehabilitation strategies, and overall patient management. It helps differentiate between rheumatoid myopathy and other causes of muscle weakness, ensuring appropriate coding and care.