(2022) How To Code Rheumatoid Arthritis ICD 10 – Codes & Guidelines

Rheumatoid arthritis ICD 10 coding is made simpler with our billing guidelines. This article includes all medical codes you will need to report rheumatoid arthritis and related specific ICD 10 codes such as post traumatic arthritis. Read on to get a summary of the necessary ICD 10 & 11 codes followed by a further description.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of joints. The hallmark feature of rheumatoid arthritis is a persistent symmetric polyarthritis (synovitis) that affects the hands and feet.

However, any joint lined by a synovial membrane may be involved, and extra-articular involvement of organs such as the skin, heart, lungs, and eyes can be significant.

Rheumatoid arthritis in ICD 10 can be coded depending on whether it has a rheumatoid factor coded M05 or if it lacks a rheumatoid factor coded as M06. In addition to the presence or absence of rheumatoid factor, the site, for example:

M06.00 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, unspecified site

M06.01 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, shoulder

M06.02 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, elbow

M06.03 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, wrist

M06.04 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, hand

M06.05 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, hip

M06.06 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, knee

M06.07 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, ankle, and foot

M06.08 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, vertebrae

M06.09 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, multiple sites

And also:

M05 – Rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor

M05.0 – Felty’s syndrome 

M05.1 – Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis

M05.2 – Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis

M05.3 – Rheumatoid heart disease with rheumatoid arthritis

M05.4 – Rheumatoid myopathy with rheumatoid arthritis

M05.5 – Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis

M05.6 – Rheumatoid arthritis with involvement of other organs and systems

M05.7 – Rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor without organ or systems involvement

M05.8 – Other rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor

M05.9 – Rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor, unspecified

Both rheumatoid arthritis with and without rheumatoid factor can be found in chapter XIII of the ICD 10 book, which codes for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue and is coded M00-M99, 

select the group Arthropathies (M00-M25), under which the block  M05-M14 which codes for Inflammatory polyarthropathies can be seen. In this block, we can see the two types of rheumatoid arthritis. 

Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Arthritis, which is simply an inflammation of the joints, can be due to various causes. There are different types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

The ICD 10 code for arthritis is M13 which is for Other arthritis. However, depending on if it is affecting one or multiple joints, it can further be coded as follows: 

M13.0 – Polyarthritis, unspecified

M13.1 – Monoarthritis, not elsewhere classified

M13.8 – Other specified arthritis. 

ICD 10 Code For Rheumatoid Arthritis Involving Multiple Sites 

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joint sites. However, the ICD 10 code depends on whether it has a rheumatoid factor or not. 

The code M06.09 codes for rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor affecting multiple sites, while  M05.79 codes for Rheumatoid arthritis with a rheumatoid factor of multiple sites without organ or systems involvement. 

Thus M06.09 or M05.79 codes for rheumatoid arthritis involving multiple sites depending on whether it is without or with rheumatoid factor. 

Family History Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Z82.61 is the specific ICD 10 code that can specify the diagnosis of family history of arthritis ( including rheumatoid arthritis). It can be selected in the ICD 10 book by following these steps: 

‘Chapter XXI Z00-Z99 codes Factors influencing health status and contact with health services, selecting the block Z77-Z99, which codes for Persons with potential health hazards related to family and personal history and certain conditions influencing health status.

Under which the category Z82.6 codes for a Family history of arthritis and other musculoskeletal system diseases and connective tissue diseases. And Z82.61 for a family history of arthritis.’

General Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Primary osteoarthritis in the ICD 10 book is coded as M15-M19, depending on the site. 

Primary generalized Polyosteoarthritis is coded M15, while osteoarthritis of the hip is coded M16, osteoarthritis of the knee is coded M17, osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint is coded M18, and another unspecified osteoarthritis is coded as M19. 

They can be found in chapter XIII of the ICD 10 book, which codes for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue and is coded M00-M99, select the group Arthropathies (M00-M25) and the category M15-M19. 

Arthritis Pain ICD 10 Code

Pain in joints in the ICD 10 book can be coded as M25.5. However, the code M25.5 should not be used for reimbursement purposes as multiple codes below contain greater detail.

It can be selected by following these steps: in chapter XIII M00-M99  Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue,

select the block M20-M25 Other joint disorders, select the category M25 which codes for Other joint disorder, not elsewhere classified. And the pain in joints can be chosen as M25.5.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ICD 10 Code

M08 is the ICD 10 code for Juvenile arthritis.

It can be found in chapter XIII of the ICD 10 book, which codes for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue and is coded M00-M99, select the group Arthropathies (M00-M25),

under which the block  M05-M14 which codes for Inflammatory polyarthropathies can be seen. The following are the subcategories of juvenile arthritis:

 M08.0 – Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

 M08.1 – Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis

 M08.2 – Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis with systemic-onset

 M08.3 – Juvenile rheumatoid polyarthritis (seronegative)

 M08.4 – Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

 M08.8 – Other juvenile arthritis

 M08.9 – Juvenile arthritis, unspecified. 

Reactive Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code M02 can be used to specify the diagnosis of post-infective and reactive arthropathies. It can be found in chapter XIII, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99),

and the block M00-M25, which codes for Arthropathies, and the category M00-M02, which codes for Infectious arthropathies. 

Glenohumeral Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for glenohumeral arthritis, also called shoulder arthritis, is M19.01. 

This can be selected by following these steps; chapter XIII -Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99), block M00-M25 which codes for Arthropathies, and the category M15-M19, which codes for osteoarthritis.

In addition, the following are codes that can be located in this category:

 M19 – Other and unspecified osteoarthritis.

 M19.0 – Primary osteoarthritis of other joints.

 M19.01 – Primary osteoarthritis, shoulder. 

Polyarticular Arthritis ICD 10 Code

M13.0 is the code for polyarthritis, unspecified. Refer to the section on Arthritis ICD 10 for how to select. 

Patellofemoral Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Chapter XIII which code for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99), has the block Osteoarthritis (M15-M19) and the subcategory Osteoarthritis of the knee (M17). 

It has the following Coding subgroups.

M17.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee

M17.1 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee

M17.2 – Bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee

M17.3 – Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee

M17.4 – Another bilateral secondary osteoarthritis of the knee

M17.5 – Another unilateral secondary osteoarthritis of the knee

M17.9 – Osteoarthritis of the knee, unspecified. 

However, other patellofemoral disorders are coded as M22.2X.

Post Traumatic Arthritis ICD 10 Code

 M19.1 is the code for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of other joints. It has the following subcategories:

 M19.11 – Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, shoulder

 M19.12 – Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, elbow

 M19.13 – Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, wrist

 M19.14 – Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, hand

 M19.17 – Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, ankle, and foot. 

And M19.92 as the code for post-traumatic osteoarthritis, unspecified site.

Pyogenic Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Pyogenic arthritis in ICD 10 is coded as M00. 

It can be selected in chapter XIII, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) under the block M00-M25 Arthropathies.

With the category M00-M02  coding for Infectious arthropathies. The codings include:

 M00 – Pyogenic arthritis

 M00.0 – Staphylococcal arthritis and polyarthritis

 M00.1 – Pneumococcal arthritis and polyarthritis

 M00.2 – Other streptococcal arthritis and polyarthritis

 M00.8 – Arthritis, and polyarthritis due to other bacteria

 M00.9 – Pyogenic arthritis, unspecified

Sacroiliac Joint Arthritis ICD 10 Code

M46.98 is the ICD 10 code for Unspecified inflammatory spondylopathy, sacral and sacrococcygeal region.

It can be found in Chapter XIII Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) » Spondylopathies (M45-M49) » Unspecified inflammatory spondylopathy, sacral and sacrococcygeal region (M46.98).

Autoimmune Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Autoimmune arthritis is coded M05 or M06 in the ICD 10 book. 

Lupus Arthritis ICD 10 Code

SLE is coded M32 in the ICD 10 book. It can be found in chapter XIII, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99),

under the block M30-M36, which codes for Systemic connective tissue disorders.

The subgroup under this include:

 M32.0 – Drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus

 M32.1 – Systemic lupus erythematosus with organ or system involvement

 M32.8 – Other forms of systemic lupus erythematosus

 M32.9 – Systemic lupus erythematosus, unspecified. 

Psoriatic Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Arthropathic psoriasis is coded as L40.5 in the ICD 10. This can be found in chapter XIII, Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99),

under the block Papulosquamous disorders (L40-L45), and the category Arthropathic psoriasis (L40.5).

The subgroup under this category include:

L40.50 – Arthropathic psoriasis, unspecified

L40.51 – Distal interphalangeal psoriatic arthropathy 

L40.52 – Psoriatic arthritis mutilans

L40.53 – Psoriatic spondylitis

L40.54 – Psoriatic juvenile arthropathy

L40.59 – Other psoriatic arthropathies

Knee Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Osteoarthritis of the knee is coded as M17, while Rheumatoid arthritis without the rheumatoid factor of the knee is coded M06.6. 

Left Knee Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The code for Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left knee is M17.12. While, Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, left knee is coded M06.062.

Right Knee Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The code for Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the right knee is M17.11. 

While, Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, right knee is coded M06.061.

Bilateral Knee Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee is coded M17.0, while, Another bilateral secondary osteoarthritis of the knee is coded as M17.4.

Septic Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Pyogenic arthritis is coded as M00. It can be found in chapter XIII, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) under the block M00-M25,

which codes for Arthropathies, and category M00-M02 which codes for Infectious arthropathies.

The subgroup under this include:

 M00.0 – Staphylococcal arthritis and polyarthritis

 M00.1 – Pneumococcal arthritis and polyarthritis

 M00.2 – Other streptococcal arthritis and polyarthritis

 M00.8 – Arthritis, and polyarthritis due to other bacteria

 M00.9 – Pyogenic arthritis, unspecified

Gouty Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The code for Gouty Arthritis in ICD 10 is M10. 

This can be found in chapter XIII, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99), under the block Inflammatory polyarthropathies (M05-M14) and under the category (M10), which codes for gout.

The subgroup under this include:

M10.0 – Idiopathic gout

M10.1 – Lead-induced gout

M10.2 – Drug-induced gout

M10.3 – Gout due to renal impairment

M10.4 – Another secondary gout

M10.9 – Gout, unspecified

Degenerative Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The code for degenerative arthritis is M19. 

This can be found in Chapter XIII Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) » Osteoarthritis (M15-M19) » Other and unspecified osteoarthritis (M19).

The subcategories under this include:

M19.0 – Primary osteoarthritis of other joints

M19.1 – Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of other joints

M19.2 – Secondary osteoarthritis of other joints

M19.9 – Osteoarthritis, unspecified site.

Hand Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis of the hand is M19.04, found under Primary osteoarthritis of other joints M19.0.

At the same time, M06.04 is the code for Rheumatoid arthritis without the rheumatoid factor of the hand. 

Right Hand Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis of the right hand is M19.041. The code for Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, right-hand M06.041. 

Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint is M18. 

ICD 10 Code For Basal Joint Arthritis

Basilar Joint Arthritis in ICD 10 will be coded together as osteoarthritis of the hand.

M19.041 – Primary osteoarthritis, right hand

M19.042 – Primary osteoarthritis, left hand

M19.049 – Primary osteoarthritis, unspecified hand

Right Middle Finger Arthritis ICD 10 Code

This will be coded under M19.041 Primary osteoarthritis of the right hand.

Right Thumb Arthritis ICD 10 Code

This will also be coded under M19.041 Primary osteoarthritis of the right hand.

Arthritis Of The Finger ICD 10 Code

M06.049 is the ICD 10 code for Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor in an unspecified hand.

While M19.049 – Primary osteoarthritis, unspecified hand.

Arthritis Of The Wrist ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for primary osteoarthritis of the wrist is coded as M19.03. 

This can be found in chapter XIII, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) block M00-M25 Arthropathies category M15-M19 (Osteoarthritis), with M19 Coding for Other and unspecified osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis without the rheumatoid factor of the wrist is coded as M06.03.

Hip Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Osteoarthritis of the hip is coded M16 in ICD 10.

Rheumatoid arthritis without the rheumatoid factor of the hip is coded M06.05.

Right Hip Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Osteoarthritis of the right hip is coded M16.11.

Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, right hip is coded M06.051.

Left Hip Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Osteoarthritis of the left hip is coded M16.12.

Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor left hip is M06.052.

Shoulder Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder is M19.01.

Rheumatoid arthritis without the rheumatoid factor of the shoulder is M06.01.

Right Shoulder ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis, the right shoulder is M19.011.

The ICD 10 code for Rheumatoid arthritis without the rheumatoid factor of the right shoulder is M06.011.

Left Shoulder Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis, the left shoulder is M19.012.

The ICD 10 code for Rheumatoid arthritis without the rheumatoid factor of the left shoulder is M06.012.

AC Joint Arthritis ICD 10 Code

This will be coded as Primary osteoarthritis, unspecified shoulder M19.019 since the shoulder’s acromioclavicular joint is part of the shoulder. 

Degenerative Arthritis Of The Spine ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for degenerative arthritis of the spine will be found in chapter XIII, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) under the block M40-M54 – Dorsopathies, with M45-M49  coding for Spondylopathies. 

Cervical Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy of the cervical region is M47.812. 

Ankle Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis ankle and foot is M19.07. 

Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, ankle, and foot are coded as M06.07.

Right Ankle Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle, and foot is M19.071.

Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, right ankle, and foot are coded M06.071.

Left Ankle Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot is M19.072.

Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, left ankle and foot is M06.072.

Subtalar Joint Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Subtalar joint (a joint of the ankle) will be coded as M19.07, while rheumatoid arthritis of the subtalar joint is M06.07.

Foot Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis ankle and foot is M19.07. 

Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, ankle, and foot are coded as M06.07.

Left Foot Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot is M19.072.

Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, left ankle and foot is M06.072.

Right Foot Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle, and foot is M19.071.

Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, right ankle, and foot are coded M06.071.

Spinal Arthritis ICD 10 Code

Spondylosis is generally coded as M47. This can be found in chapter XIII, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) under the block Spondylopathies (M45-M49) and the category Spondylosis (M47). 

The subgroups include:

M47.0 – Anterior spinal and vertebral artery compression syndromes

M47.1 – Other spondylosis with myelopathy

M47.2 – Other spondylosis with radiculopathy

M47.8 – Other spondylosis

M47.9 – Spondylosis, unspecified

Rheumatoid arthritis without the rheumatoid factor of the vertebrae is coded M06.08.

Thoracic Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy of the thoracic region is M47.814.

Arthritis Of The Back ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy of the thoracolumbar region is M47.815.

Arthritis Of The Low Back ICD 10 Code

Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy of the lumbosacral region M47.817.

Arthritis Of The Lumbar Region ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy of the lumbar region is M47.816.

Neck Arthritis ICD 10 Code

The ICD 10 code for spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy of the occipito-atlanto-axial region is M47.811.

Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy of the cervical region is M47.812.

Rheumatoid Arthritis ICD 11 Code

The ICD 11 code for rheumatoid arthritis can be seen in chapter 15 of the ICD 11 book Diseases of the musculoskeletal system or connective tissue. 

Under the block Arthropathies coded (FA00-FA5Z), the category Inflammatory arthropathies coded as (FA20-FA2Z). 

The codes in this section include:

• Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (FA20.0)
• Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (FA20.1)
• Rheumatoid arthritis, serology unspecified  (FA20.Z)

Depending on the type of joint involved, the appropriate code is added to the arthritis code. 

For example, XA65F2 for Atlantooccipital joint.

Osteoarthritis in ICD 11 is coded FA00-FA0Z. They can be found codes in the section (FA00-FA5Z), which include the following:

Osteoarthritis (FA00-FA0Z)

Infection-related arthropathies (FA10-FA1Z)

Inflammatory arthropathies (FA20-FA2Z)

Certain specified joint disorders or deformities of limbs (FA30-FA3Z)

Other specified arthropathies  (FA5Y)

Arthropathies, unspecified  (FA5Z)

Codes under the Osteoarthritis section include: 

Osteoarthritis of the hip (FA00)

Osteoarthritis of the knee (FA01)

Osteoarthritis of wrist and hand (FA02)

Osteoarthritis of other specified joint (FA03)

Oligoosteoarthritis (FA04)

Polyosteoarthritis (FA05)

Osteoarthritis, unspecified  (FA0Z)

Codes under the section inflammatory arthropathies (FA20-FA2Z):

Rheumatoid arthritis (FA20)

Psoriatic arthritis (FA21)

Polymyalgia rheumatica (FA22)

Adult-onset Still disease (FA23)

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (FA24)

Gout (FA25)

Certain specified crystal arthropathies (FA26)

Certain specified inflammatory arthropathies (FA27)

Inflammatory arthropathies, unspecified  (FA2Z)

– Dr. Quazim Omisore,
Medical Professional & Coding Expert