Rheumatoid bursitis, left wrist

This code signifies inflammation of the bursa associated with rheumatoid arthritis, specifically affecting the left wrist joint. It indicates a localized manifestation of rheumatoid disease impacting the synovial sacs that cushion tendons and bones in this anatomical region.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of rheumatoid bursitis localized to the left wrist. Supporting clinical notes should include evidence of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory findings specific to the left wrist bursa, such as swelling, pain, or tenderness.

• Ensure documentation specifies "rheumatoid" bursitis; simple bursitis of the wrist has a different code.
• Verify the laterality is explicitly stated as "left wrist" to avoid incorrect assignment.
• Always sequence a code for the underlying rheumatoid arthritis (e.g., from category M05 or M06) before this code.