Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, unsp hand

This code signifies a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting the joints of the hand, specifically when laboratory tests for rheumatoid factor are negative. It indicates inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage in the hand, but without the presence of the typical autoantibody.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis affecting an unspecified hand, and serological testing for rheumatoid factor is explicitly negative. This is appropriate when the specific hand (right or left) is not documented.

• Ensure documentation specifies "without rheumatoid factor" or "seronegative" to support this code.
• Avoid using this code if the specific hand (right or left) is identified; instead, use the more specific M06.041 or M06.042.
• This code is for an unspecified hand; if laterality is known, a more specific code should be chosen.