What do you know about arthritis ICD-10 codes? Review this brief overview to learn some of the most important facts associated with this medical coding scheme.
According to the CDC, roughly 58 million Americans have arthritis. Various types of this condition exist, each of them bringing difficulties for people. Arthritis makes it more challenging to stay healthy and fit.
Most arthritis patients think of their condition by its name. But, most doctors and medical professionals have other terms for this condition. For example, a doctor might log your medical condition as M06.9.
This “term” is an example of an arthritis ICD-10 code. Most of the time, patients and pharmaceutical customers rarely know about these codes. However, a little familiarity with them can help you understand your medical records and improve your health.
So, we’ll give you the three things you should know about an arthritis ICD-10 code. Let’s jump right in!
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis ICD-10 Increases Accuracy
The first thing to understand about an IDC-10 code for arthritis is its impermanence. ICD-10 codes are a more recent version of ICD codifications. Before them, the medical world used ICD-9 codes.
So, why did medical professionals switch to ICD-10? One reason is its increased accuracy. ICD codes provide a shorthand for describing a medical condition for other doctors. This way, they can understand what’s happening in your body.
One of the biggest changes with ICD-10 codes was their increased accuracy in rheumatology. These codes focus specifically on anatomy and other factors of the body. The updated codes gave clinicians a broader array of representations for rheumatoid issues.
2. Other Factors that Support an ICD-10 Code for Arthritis
When a doctor diagnoses you with a type of arthritis, he’ll input the ICD-10 code for the condition in your medical records. However, even a valid code is not enough verification for medical support.
Instead, a patient’s arthritis ICD-10 code requires a medical chart that supports this diagnosis. This chart includes information like:
- Is the pain chronic or acute?
- What anatomical site does the pain affect?
- Which side of your body is affected?
This information gives other medical workers a fuller understanding of your condition. This way, they can improve their treatment prescriptions.
3. ICD-10 Code For Different Types of Arthritis
As you may know, several types of arthritis exist. Some common forms are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
Each of these arthritis types includes several ICD-10 codes that describe the condition in greater detail. Doctors may use some common codes to classify your condition. Some of these codes include:
- Osteoarthritis primary: M15.0
- Psoriatic arthritis: L40.59
- Chronic pain: G89.29
- Fibromyalgia: M79.7
- Osteoporosis w/ pathological fracture: M80.01
These are only a few of the most diagnosed ICD-10 codes. However, knowing these codes can help you keep track of your medical records and prescribed treatments.
Exercises to Treat Arthritis
An arthritis ICD-10 code can help you understand your condition and treatment in greater detail. In doing so, you gain more control over your medical records.
However, there are other ways to manage arthritis symptoms. You can use exercises and physical activity to supplement any treatment you receive.
We at Army Gymnastics offer top-rate exercise programs to help you stay fit. Our articles and podcasts help you stay informed on the best fitness practices, too! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.