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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.62

M05.62

Billable

Rheumatoid arthritis of elbow with involvement of other organs and systems

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.62 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis of elbow 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 elbow, a hinge joint formed by the humerus, radius, and ulna, is commonly affected in RA, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Systemic involvement may include extra-articular manifestations such as rheumatoid nodules, lung disease, and cardiovascular complications. Clinically, patients may present with morning stiffness, joint deformities, and fatigue. The pathophysiology involves immune-mediated processes that lead to synovitis, cartilage degradation, and bone erosion. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent joint damage and improve quality of life.

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 medical records.
  • Variability in clinical presentation can affect coding accuracy.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of systemic involvement may lead to coding errors.
  • Failure to specify laterality of elbow involvement can trigger audits.
  • Lack of evidence for disease activity markers may raise concerns.
  • Misclassification of RA as osteoarthritis can result in incorrect coding.

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 severity of deformities 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).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios often involve managing flares of RA and adjusting DMARD therapy based on disease progression.

Billing Considerations

Systemic involvement such as lung or cardiovascular issues must be documented to support the complexity of the condition.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should detail mobility limitations, pain levels, and the need for assistive devices.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include physical therapy for joint mobility and strength restoration.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should reflect the impact of RA on daily activities and the need for adaptive strategies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.62 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for laterality (right, left, bilateral), severity (mild, moderate, severe), and encounter type (initial, follow
  • Ensure that documentation supports the complexity of the condition, including systemic involvement

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.62 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 the joint involved, the reason for the procedure, and any findings.

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 rheumatoid arthritis and its systemic implications.

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 rheumatoid arthritis and its systemic implications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in capturing the complexity of rheumatoid arthritis and its systemic implications.

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 M05.62?

Key documentation includes detailed clinical notes on joint involvement, systemic manifestations, laboratory results indicating disease activity, and imaging studies showing joint damage.