Arthropathy following intestinal bypass, unspecified hand

This code signifies a joint disease that develops as a complication after intestinal bypass surgery, affecting an unspecified hand. It represents an inflammatory or degenerative joint condition directly attributable to the physiological changes induced by the bypass procedure.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of arthropathy in the hand, and the etiology is directly linked to a history of intestinal bypass surgery. This code is appropriate when the specific hand (left or right) is not documented.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states a causal link between the intestinal bypass and the hand arthropathy.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific site (e.g., left hand, right hand) is documented; instead, use the appropriate laterality code.
• Do not use this code for general arthropathy without a documented history of intestinal bypass.