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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.542

M05.542

Billable

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of left hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.542 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of left hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by peripheral nerve involvement due to systemic inflammation. The left hand is often affected in RA, leading to joint inflammation, pain, and deformity. Anatomically, the hand consists of multiple joints including the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. In RA, synovial inflammation can lead to joint erosion and deformities such as ulnar deviation. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms of numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand due to nerve compression or damage. The pathophysiology involves immune-mediated inflammation affecting both joints and peripheral nerves, leading to a complex interplay of musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (joints and nerves)
  • Need for precise documentation of laterality and severity
  • Differentiation from other neuropathies and arthritic conditions
  • Potential for systemic manifestations affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms
  • Failure to specify laterality of joint involvement
  • Misclassification of polyneuropathy as unrelated to RA
  • Lack of evidence for severity of joint involvement

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (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 surgical interventions for joint deformities, such as arthroplasties or tendon repairs.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include documenting the extent of joint damage and any functional limitations affecting daily activities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve managing disease flares, adjusting DMARD therapy, and monitoring for complications.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement may necessitate documentation of extra-articular manifestations and their impact on treatment.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should evaluate mobility, strength, and the need for assistive devices, as well as rehabilitation goals.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include therapy for improving hand function and pain management strategies.

Billing Considerations

Mobility limitations should be documented in detail to support the need for therapy and assistive devices.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.542 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (left hand), severity (documenting the extent of joint involvement), and encounter type (initial vs
  • follow
  • up visits)
  • Ensure that all relevant conditions are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.542 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 joint swelling and pain management in RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, the procedure performed, and the indication for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations include the need for imaging to guide the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has increased specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for better tracking of disease progression and treatment outcomes.

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 feet, and pain that may be exacerbated by joint inflammation.