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ICD-10 Coding for Rheumatoid Factor Positive(M05.79)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Rheumatoid Factor Positive. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Seropositive Rheumatoid ArthritisRA with Rheumatoid Factor

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Rheumatoid Factor Positive

M05-M06Primary Range

Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory polyarthropathies

This range includes rheumatoid arthritis with and without rheumatoid factor, covering various manifestations and complications.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for rheumatoid factor positive

Essential facts and insights about Rheumatoid Factor Positive

The ICD-10 code for rheumatoid factor positive is M05.79, which covers rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor of multiple sites without organ involvement.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for rheumatoid factor positive

Rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor of multiple sites without organ or systems involvement
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • RF test result ≥20 IU/mL

documentation Criteria

  • Documented seropositive RA with specific joint involvement

Applicable To

  • Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis

Excludes

  • Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor (M06.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive rheumatoid factor (RF) test ≥20 IU/mL
  • Anti-CCP antibody positivity

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure RF positivity is documented to avoid incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies RF positivity and affected sites.

Ancillary Codes

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

Rheumatoid arthritis with lung involvement

M05.1-
Use when RA is associated with lung disease.

Differential Codes

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

Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor

M06.0
Use M06.0 when RF is negative or not tested.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Rheumatoid Factor Positive to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M05.79.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document RF test results., Use templates that prompt for RF status.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for RF status and specific joint involvement.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when RF status is known.

Mitigation Strategy

Query providers for RF status and specific joint involvement.

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 Rheumatoid Factor Positive, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Rheumatoid Factor Positive

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Rheumatoid Factor Positive. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Rheumatology Progress Note

Specialty: Rheumatology

Required Elements

  • RF test results
  • Anti-CCP antibody status
  • Joint involvement
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: Seropositive RA (M05.79) with active synovitis in bilateral wrists. RF: 120 IU/mL. Plan: Increase methotrexate dose.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
RA, chronic
Good Documentation Example
Seropositive RA affecting bilateral wrists and knees with rheumatoid nodule on right elbow
Explanation
The good example specifies seropositive status, affected joints, and presence of nodules.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Rheumatoid Factor Positive? Ask your questions below.

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