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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.611

M05.611

Billable

Rheumatoid arthritis of right shoulder with involvement of other organs and systems

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.611 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis of right shoulder with involvement of other organs and systems.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by synovial inflammation and joint destruction. The right shoulder joint, comprising the glenohumeral joint, acromioclavicular joint, and scapulothoracic articulation, can be significantly affected by RA. Patients may present with pain, swelling, and stiffness in the shoulder, leading to decreased range of motion and functional impairment. Systemic involvement may include manifestations such as rheumatoid nodules, pulmonary complications, and cardiovascular issues. The pathophysiology involves the immune system mistakenly attacking the synovial membrane, leading to joint erosion and systemic inflammation. Clinically, patients may experience morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, fatigue, and malaise, which can complicate their overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple organ systems complicates diagnosis and treatment.
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis requires detailed clinical evaluation.
  • Documentation of systemic involvement necessitates comprehensive patient history.
  • Anatomical specificity of the shoulder joint requires precise coding for accurate billing.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic involvement may lead to claim denials.
  • Failure to specify laterality can result in incorrect coding.
  • Lack of evidence for joint involvement severity may trigger audits.
  • Misclassification of RA as osteoarthritis can lead to coding errors.

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 range of motion and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include surgical interventions such as arthroscopy or joint replacement due to severe joint damage.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include documenting the extent of joint erosion and functional limitations.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation must include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28 score).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve managing systemic symptoms and adjusting DMARD therapy based on disease progression.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement factors such as lung function tests and cardiovascular assessments should be documented.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy for restoring shoulder function and pain management strategies.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.611 When
  • 10 coding guidelines require specificity in laterality (right shoulder), severity of the condition, and the type of encounter (initial, follow
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and any systemic involvement

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.611 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 managing joint effusion in RA patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, reason for aspiration, and any therapeutic injections.

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 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in capturing the complexity of RA and its systemic effects, which aids in better patient management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in capturing the complexity of RA and its systemic effects, which aids in better patient management and reimbursement.

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 key documentation requirements for coding M05.611?

Key documentation includes detailed clinical history, evidence of systemic involvement, imaging studies, laboratory results, and treatment plans that reflect the complexity of rheumatoid arthritis.