What is the ICD-10 code for arthritis?

The ICD-10 code M13.80 is used for "Other specified arthritis, unspecified site." While "arthritis" is a broad medical term encompassing numerous conditions, M13.80 serves as a general classification for arthritis when a more specific site or detailed type is not documented.

Arthritis refers to the inflammation of one or more joints, and its ICD-10 coding is highly specific, depending on the type, cause, and anatomical location of the condition. However, for instances where the exact site is not specified but the condition is clearly identified as a form of arthritis, M13.80 is applicable. This code falls under the broader classification of "Arthropathies" within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) system.

Understanding ICD-10 Codes for Arthritis

The ICD-10 system provides a comprehensive set of codes to classify diseases and health problems. For arthritis, the codes are structured to capture the nuances of the diagnosis, which is crucial for medical billing, epidemiological studies, and health management.

While M13.80 covers "Other specified arthritis, unspecified site," it's important to recognize that many other specific codes exist depending on the exact diagnosis. For example:

• Osteoarthritis: Codes typically begin with M15-M19, further detailing the specific joint affected (e.g., knee, hip, hand).
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Codes begin with M05 or M06, with additional digits indicating specific manifestations or sites.
• Gout: Codes typically begin with M10, specifying the site and whether the condition is acute or chronic.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: This condition is typically coded under M07.0-M07.3.

When is M13.80 Used?

The code M13.80 is primarily utilized in scenarios where:

• The medical documentation confirms a diagnosis of arthritis, but the specific joint or anatomical site affected is not clearly stated.
• The arthritis is identified as a specified type, but without a specific site, or it does not fit neatly into other distinct, more common arthritis codes.
• It may serve as a temporary code when further diagnostic information is anticipated, though healthcare providers always strive for the most specific and accurate code possible.

For precise medical coding, healthcare professionals always aim to use the most specific ICD-10 code available that accurately reflects the patient's diagnosis and anatomical location. However, in situations where arthritis is specified but the site is not, M13.80 provides an appropriate classification.

For more detailed information on specific ICD-10 codes for various conditions, including arthritis, comprehensive resources are available. You can explore more about ICD-10-CM Code M13.80 here.