Rheumatoid lung disease w rheumatoid arthritis of unsp hand

This code signifies the presence of rheumatoid lung disease in a patient also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis affecting an unspecified hand. Rheumatoid lung disease encompasses various pulmonary manifestations, such as interstitial lung disease, nodules, or pleurisy, directly attributed to the underlying autoimmune condition.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of rheumatoid lung disease in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis specifically affecting the hand, but without further specification of which hand. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing both the pulmonary involvement and the hand-specific rheumatoid arthritis.

• Ensure documentation specifies "rheumatoid lung disease" and not just a general lung condition, and that the rheumatoid arthritis affects the hand.
• If the specific hand (left or right) is documented, use a more specific code from the M05.14- subcategory.
• Always code the underlying rheumatoid arthritis (M05.-) as the primary diagnosis when the lung disease is a manifestation of it.