Rheumatoid lung disease w rheumatoid arthritis of left hand

This diagnosis code signifies the presence of rheumatoid lung disease occurring concurrently with rheumatoid arthritis specifically affecting the left hand. It indicates a systemic manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis impacting both the pulmonary system and a specific peripheral joint.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of rheumatoid lung disease in a patient also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis of the left hand. Supporting documentation should include findings from pulmonary function tests, imaging (e.g., chest X-ray, CT scan) confirming lung involvement, and clinical assessment of left hand rheumatoid arthritis.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left hand" involvement; codes exist for other sites and unspecified hand.
• Do not use if lung involvement is not explicitly stated as "rheumatoid lung disease" or directly linked to RA.
• Consider sequencing with codes for specific lung manifestations (e.g., interstitial lung disease) if further detail is provided.