Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of left hand

This code signifies a systemic inflammatory condition where blood vessels are damaged due to rheumatoid arthritis, specifically affecting the left hand. It indicates a severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid disease, characterized by inflammation and necrosis of small to medium-sized vessels.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states rheumatoid vasculitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, with the vasculitis manifesting in the left hand. Supporting documentation should include a definitive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and clinical or pathological evidence of vasculitis affecting the specified anatomical site.

• Always ensure the documentation specifies the laterality (left hand) for the vasculitis.
• Code also the underlying rheumatoid arthritis (e.g., M05.xx) if not already captured by this code.
• Do not use this code for vasculitis not directly attributed to rheumatoid arthritis.