Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, left wrist

This code signifies a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affecting the left wrist, specifically in cases where the rheumatoid factor (RF) test is negative. This form of RA is seronegative, meaning the characteristic autoantibody is not detected, but the patient still exhibits the inflammatory joint disease.

This code is appropriate when documentation confirms a diagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis with specific involvement of the left wrist. It should be used when the provider explicitly states "rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor" or "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis" and identifies the left wrist as the affected site.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "without rheumatoid factor" or "seronegative" to differentiate from seropositive RA.
• Verify the laterality; this code is specific to the left wrist. If the right wrist or both wrists are affected, a different code is required.
• Do not use this code for other forms of inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis affecting the wrist.