Other reactive arthropathies, unspecified hand

This code describes an inflammatory joint condition affecting the hand, specifically one that develops as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body, but the precise type of reactive arthropathy is not specified. It indicates that the inflammation is not due to direct infection of the joint itself, but rather an immune response triggered by an antecedent infection.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a reactive arthropathy affecting the hand, but the specific type (e.g., Reiter's syndrome, post-streptococcal) is not identified. This code is appropriate when the provider has diagnosed reactive arthritis in the hand, but further specificity is lacking in the medical record.

• Ensure documentation specifies "reactive arthropathy" and involvement of the "hand" to support this code.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of reactive arthropathy (e.g., M02.3- for Reiter's disease) is documented.
• Always sequence the underlying infection, if known and still active, before this code.