Rheumatoid vasculitis w rheumatoid arthritis of l shoulder

This code signifies a systemic inflammatory condition characterized by vasculitis occurring in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, specifically affecting the left shoulder joint. Rheumatoid vasculitis is a severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, involving inflammation of blood vessels.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis in a patient with confirmed rheumatoid arthritis, with specific involvement of the left shoulder. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing the presence of vasculitis and its association with the patient's rheumatoid arthritis, along with the affected joint.

• Ensure documentation specifies "rheumatoid vasculitis" and not just general vasculitis, as the underlying rheumatoid arthritis is key.
• Verify laterality; this code is specific to the left shoulder. Use the appropriate code for the right shoulder (M05.211) or unspecified shoulder (M05.219).
• Always sequence the underlying rheumatoid arthritis code (e.g., M05.xx) first, followed by this code for the manifestation.