Rheumatoid heart disease w rheumatoid arthritis mult site

This code signifies a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation affecting multiple joints, specifically when the disease process has also involved the heart. It indicates the presence of cardiac manifestations directly attributable to rheumatoid arthritis, such as pericarditis, myocarditis, or valvular disease.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis affecting multiple anatomical sites, and there is an explicit diagnosis of rheumatoid heart disease. This typically requires a physician's confirmed diagnosis linking the cardiac involvement to the underlying rheumatoid arthritis.

• Always ensure the documentation specifies "rheumatoid heart disease" and not just general cardiac issues in a patient with RA.
• Do not use this code if the cardiac condition is unrelated to the rheumatoid arthritis; instead, code the cardiac condition separately.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis if the rheumatoid heart disease is the main reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it's a co-morbidity.