Rheumatoid bursitis, right elbow

This code signifies inflammation of the bursa located in the right elbow, specifically when the underlying cause is rheumatoid arthritis. It indicates a localized manifestation of systemic rheumatoid disease affecting the synovial sacs that cushion the elbow joint.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states rheumatoid bursitis affecting the right elbow. This typically occurs in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis experiencing localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the right olecranon or radiohumeral bursa. Supporting documentation should include a diagnosis from a physician, often an orthopedist or rheumatologist, and may reference imaging findings.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the bursitis to rheumatoid arthritis; otherwise, a non-rheumatoid bursitis code would be more appropriate.
• Verify laterality (right elbow) is clearly stated in the medical record.
• This code should be sequenced after the primary rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis (e.g., M05.xx or M06.xx).