Rheumatoid heart disease w rheumatoid arthritis of l wrist

This code signifies the presence of rheumatoid heart disease in a patient also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis specifically affecting the left wrist. It indicates systemic involvement of rheumatoid disease impacting both cardiac structures and a specific peripheral joint.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states rheumatoid heart disease alongside rheumatoid arthritis of the left wrist. This typically occurs in patients with long-standing or severe rheumatoid arthritis exhibiting cardiac manifestations such as pericarditis, myocarditis, or valvular disease, in addition to active synovitis in the left wrist.

• Ensure documentation specifies "rheumatoid heart disease" and not just general cardiac involvement.
• Confirm the laterality of the wrist involvement is explicitly "left."
• Code any specific cardiac manifestations (e.g., pericarditis) as additional diagnoses.