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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.54

M05.54

Billable

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.54 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by peripheral nerve involvement due to systemic inflammation. The condition often presents with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands, which can significantly impact hand function. Anatomically, the hands consist of multiple joints, including the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, which are commonly affected by RA. The pathophysiology involves synovial inflammation leading to joint damage and potential nerve compression. Clinically, patients may exhibit joint swelling, deformities, and reduced grip strength, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of both joint and nerve function. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent irreversible damage and maintain hand functionality.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (joints and nerves)
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of both rheumatoid arthritis and polyneuropathy
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity among patients
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms
  • Failure to specify laterality of hand involvement
  • Lack of evidence for the severity of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Misclassification of polyneuropathy as a primary condition

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 hand strength and range of motion.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions for joint deformities or tendon repairs due to RA-related damage.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should specify the severity of joint involvement and any surgical history.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must 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

Patients may present with exacerbations of RA leading to increased polyneuropathy symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement and progression of RA should be documented to support the diagnosis.

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 hand function and managing pain.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.54 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (specifying right or left hand), severity of rheumatoid arthritis, and encounter type (initial, follow
  • up, etc
  • Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis of both rheumatoid arthritis and polyneuropathy

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.54 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, moderate complexity

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to manage RA and polyneuropathy symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Considerations for rheumatology and physical medicine specialists.

64450CPT Code

Injection, anesthetic agent into a major nerve

Clinical Scenario

Used for managing pain associated with nerve compression due to RA.

Documentation Requirements

Indication for injection and anatomical site must be documented.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and pain management considerations.

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 polyneuropathy in RA patients.

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 polyneuropathy in RA patients.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding for musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of complications like polyneuropathy in RA patients.

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 that may radiate along the arms. These symptoms arise from nerve compression due to joint swelling and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.