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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.561

M05.561

Billable

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of right knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.561 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of right knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid polyneuropathy is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by peripheral nerve damage due to systemic inflammation. The right knee is often involved in RA, leading to synovitis, joint effusion, and pain. Anatomically, the knee joint comprises the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, with surrounding ligaments and tendons that may also be affected. Clinically, patients may present with joint swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, alongside neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the lower extremities due to nerve compression or inflammation. The pathophysiology involves autoimmune mechanisms where the immune system attacks synovial tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and joint destruction, which can also affect peripheral nerves. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent irreversible damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and neurological)
  • Need for precise documentation of joint involvement and laterality
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses and complications

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs) and functional assessments of the knee joint.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Knee arthroscopy for synovitis, joint replacement due to severe degeneration.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the extent of joint damage and functional limitations.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and disease activity scores (e.g., DAS28).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of RA flares, initiation of DMARD therapy.

Billing Considerations

Monitoring systemic involvement and adjusting treatment based on disease progression.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments, rehabilitation goals, and assistive device evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Physical therapy for joint mobility and strength restoration.

Billing Considerations

Addressing mobility limitations and planning for assistive devices.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.561 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (right knee), severity (acute vs
  • chronic), and encounter type (initial vs
  • follow
  • Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis of both rheumatoid arthritis and polyneuropathy

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.561 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 effusion management in RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document joint involved, procedure details, and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint management.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key documentation requirements for coding M05.561?

Key documentation includes detailed clinical notes on joint involvement, neurological symptoms, inflammatory markers, and treatment plans. Ensure that all aspects of the patient's condition are clearly documented to support the diagnosis.