Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Polymyalgia Rheumatica(M35.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

PMR

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Polymyalgia Rheumatica

M35.3Primary Range

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Primary code range for diagnosing Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for polymyalgia rheumatica

Essential facts and insights about Polymyalgia Rheumatica

The ICD-10 code for polymyalgia rheumatica is M35.3, used when symptoms and lab results confirm the diagnosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Bilateral shoulder/hip pain with morning stiffness >45 minutes.

coding Criteria

  • Use M35.3 as primary code if PMR is the main diagnosis.

Applicable To

  • Bilateral shoulder and hip pain
  • Morning stiffness >45 minutes

Excludes

  • Giant Cell Arteritis (M31.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ESR >40 mm/hr
  • CRP >1 mg/dL
  • Ultrasound showing bursitis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using M79.1 when PMR criteria are met.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific symptoms and lab results.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

PMR with HLA-DR4 genotype

M35.31
Use when genetic testing confirms HLA-DR4.

PMR with pigmented villonodular synovitis

M35.32
Use when imaging confirms synovitis.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Giant Cell Arteritis

M31.5
Presence of temporal artery involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Polymyalgia Rheumatica to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M35.3.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in the patient's chart.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all PMR criteria are documented before coding.

Impact

High audit risk if PMR criteria are not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all criteria are documented in the patient's record.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Polymyalgia Rheumatica, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Polymyalgia Rheumatica. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Rheumatology H&P

Specialty: Rheumatology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination
  • Laboratory results
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

**History**: 72F with 8-week bilateral shoulder/hip pain, 90-min AM stiffness, 6-lb weight loss. **Exam**: Tender subdeltoid bursae, limited shoulder abduction bilaterally. No synovitis. **Labs**: ESR 62, CRP 4.2, RF negative. **Imaging**: Shoulder US → bilateral subdeltoid bursitis. **Assessment**: M35.3 (PMR). Excluded GCA via temporal artery US. **Plan**: Prednisone 20mg daily + PPI prophylaxis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elderly patient with aches. Start steroids.
Good Documentation Example
70M with 3-week bilateral hip/shoulder pain, AM stiffness >1hr, ESR 48. No GCA symptoms. Dx: M35.3.
Explanation
The good example includes specific symptoms, duration, and lab results, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Polymyalgia Rheumatica? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more