Rheumatoid bursitis, right ankle and foot

This code signifies inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints) in the right ankle and/or foot, specifically caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It indicates a localized inflammatory process affecting the soft tissues around the ankle or foot joints, directly attributable to the underlying systemic autoimmune condition.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states rheumatoid bursitis affecting the right ankle or foot. This diagnosis is supported by findings such as localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the right ankle or foot, in a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, MRI) may further confirm bursal inflammation.

• Always sequence the underlying rheumatoid arthritis code (e.g., M05.xx, M06.xx) first, as bursitis is a manifestation of the systemic disease.
• Ensure laterality is clearly documented (right vs. left vs. bilateral) to select the correct subcategory.
• Differentiate from other forms of bursitis (e.g., traumatic, infectious) which would use different code families.