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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.53

M05.53

Billable

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of wrist

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.53 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of wrist.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by peripheral nerve involvement due to systemic inflammation. The wrist, a complex joint formed by the radius, ulna, and carpal bones, is commonly affected in RA, leading to synovitis, joint deformities, and functional impairment. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the wrist, along with neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands due to nerve compression or inflammation. The pathophysiology involves autoimmune-mediated inflammation that damages both the synovial tissue and peripheral nerves, leading to a combination of musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to assess inflammatory markers and joint involvement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple systems (musculoskeletal and neurological)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Potential for overlapping conditions (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms
  • Failure to specify laterality of wrist involvement
  • Lack of evidence for the diagnosis of polyneuropathy
  • Misclassification of joint involvement severity

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) 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.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect the severity of joint involvement and any surgical history.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies) and assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28 score).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve managing systemic symptoms and adjusting DMARD therapy.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic involvement and monitoring for disease progression is crucial.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include therapy for improving wrist function and managing pain.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should address mobility limitations and the impact on daily activities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.53 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (right, left, bilateral) and severity of joint involvement
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up) should also be documented to reflect the patient's treatment journey

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.53 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 manage RA and associated polyneuropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include assessment of joint function and neurological symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Rheumatology and primary care considerations for comprehensive management.

20610CPT Code

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

Clinical Scenario

Used for therapeutic injection in the wrist joint to manage inflammation.

Documentation Requirements

Indicate the joint involved and the reason for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic 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 musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of complications like polyneuropathy in rheumatoid arthritis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, enabling better tracking of complications like polyneuropathy in rheumatoid arthritis.

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 polyneuropathy?

Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness in the hands, and pain in the wrist due to inflammation affecting both the joints and peripheral nerves.