Rheumatoid vasculitis w rheumatoid arthritis of left wrist

This code identifies a systemic inflammatory condition characterized by vasculitis occurring in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, specifically affecting the left wrist. Rheumatoid vasculitis is a serious extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, involving inflammation of blood vessel walls.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis in a patient with confirmed rheumatoid arthritis, with the vasculitic manifestations localized to the left wrist. Supporting documentation should specify both the rheumatoid arthritis and the presence and location of the vasculitis.

• Ensure documentation differentiates between rheumatoid vasculitis and other forms of vasculitis.
• Confirm the laterality of the affected joint (left wrist) is explicitly stated.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the rheumatoid vasculitis is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when managing the underlying rheumatoid arthritis with this complication.