Reiter's disease, left elbow

This code signifies an inflammatory arthropathy affecting the left elbow, specifically associated with Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis. Reiter's disease is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy often triggered by a preceding infection, characterized by arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis. This particular code specifies the involvement of a single joint, the left elbow.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of Reiter's disease with inflammatory arthritis localized to the left elbow. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing the diagnosis, the specific joint affected, and ruling out other forms of arthritis. This code is appropriate for both initial and subsequent encounters where the left elbow is the primary site of Reiter's disease manifestation.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left elbow" as the affected joint; laterality is crucial for this code.
• Distinguish from other inflammatory arthropathies; reactive arthritis (Reiter's) has specific diagnostic criteria.
• Consider additional codes for associated manifestations of Reiter's disease, such as conjunctivitis (H10.-) or urethritis (N34.-), if documented.