ICD-10 Rheumatoid Arthritis Code

Content reviewed by Ann Dietrich, MD, FAAP, FACEP 

ICD-10 Code Category: M05 & M06  

• M05 – Refers to rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor  
• M06 – Refers to other rheumatoid arthritis  

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage.  

Understanding the nuances of RA, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies, is crucial for nurses to provide effective care.  

This article explores the ICD-10 codes associated with RA, detailed descriptions of each code, and practical nursing applications. 

Key ICD-10 Codes for Rheumatoid Arthritis 

1. M05.00 – Felty's syndrome, unspecified site 
2. M05.10 – Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified site 
3. M05.20 – Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified site 
4. M05.30 – Rheumatoid arthritis with involvement of other organs and systems, unspecified site 
5. M06.00 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, unspecified site 
6. M06.9 – Rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified 

Detailed Descriptions and Nursing Applications 

M05.00 – Felty's Syndrome, Unspecified Site 

Description: Felty's syndrome is a rare complication of RA characterized by an enlarged spleen, decreased white blood cell count (neutropenia), and recurrent infections.  

Nursing application: Nurses should monitor patients for signs of infection and educate them about infection prevention. Regular blood tests are essential to monitor white blood cell counts, and nurses should ensure that patients understand the importance of reporting any signs of infection promptly. 

M05.10 – Rheumatoid Lung Disease with Rheumatoid Arthritis of Unspecified Site 

Description: This code represents RA patients who develop lung complications, such as interstitial lung disease or pleural effusion. 

Nursing application: Nurses should monitor respiratory status and educate patients on recognizing symptoms of lung involvement, such as shortness of breath and persistent cough. Coordinating care with pulmonologists and ensuring adherence to respiratory treatments is essential. 

M05.20 – Rheumatoid Vasculitis with Rheumatoid Arthritis of Unspecified Site 

Description: Rheumatoid vasculitis is an inflammation of blood vessels that can lead to complications in various organs. 

Nursing application: Nurses should educate patients on the signs and symptoms of vasculitis, such as skin ulcers, neuropathy, and systemic symptoms like fever. Regular monitoring and prompt reporting of any new symptoms are critical for early intervention. 

M05.30 – Rheumatoid Arthritis with Involvement of Other Organs and Systems, Unspecified Site 

Description: This code covers RA patients with systemic involvement affecting organs such as the heart, eyes, or kidneys. 

Nursing application: Comprehensive assessment and coordination with multidisciplinary teams are crucial. Nurses should educate patients about the potential systemic effects of RA and ensure they attend regular check-ups with relevant specialists. 

M06.00 – Rheumatoid Arthritis without Rheumatoid Factor, Unspecified Site 

Description: This code is used for RA cases that are seronegative, meaning they do not have the rheumatoid factor antibody in their blood. 

Nursing application: Nurses should emphasize the importance of ongoing management even in the absence of rheumatoid factor. Educating patients about symptom management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications is essential. 

M06.9 – Rheumatoid Arthritis, Unspecified 

Description: This code applies when the specific type or site of RA is not determined. 

Nursing application: Nurses should advocate for thorough diagnostic evaluations to specify the type and extent of RA. Educating patients on general RA management strategies, including medication adherence and lifestyle changes, is critical. 

Nursing care and management 

Pain management 

Chronic pain is a significant issue for RA patients. Effective pain management strategies include: 

• Administering prescribed analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. 
• Educating patients on non-pharmacologic pain relief methods such as heat and cold therapy, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques. 
• Encouraging regular exercise to maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness. 

Patient education 

Educating patients about RA is crucial for effective self-management. Key educational points include: 

• Understanding the disease process and the importance of early intervention 
• Recognizing and managing symptoms to prevent flare-ups 
• Adherence to treatment plans and regular follow-up appointments 
• Lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms, such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding joint strain 

Emotional support 

Living with RA can lead to emotional distress and decreased quality of life. Nurses play a key role in providing emotional support by: 

• Offering counseling services or referrals to mental health professionals. 
• Facilitating support groups where patients can share their experiences. 
• Providing educational materials to help patients understand their condition and treatment options. 

Monitoring and Follow-Up 

Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential for managing RA effectively. Nurses should: 

• Conduct regular assessments of joint function and pain levels. 
• Monitor for side effects of medications, particularly those affecting the immune system. 
• Ensure patients keep up with regular laboratory tests to monitor disease activity and medication effects.