Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, unsp shoulder

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory joint disease affecting four or fewer joints, specifically in an unspecified shoulder, with onset before 16 years of age. It is a subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis characterized by persistent joint inflammation.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affecting a shoulder, and the specific side (left or right) is not documented. This diagnosis is typically made by a rheumatologist based on clinical examination and laboratory findings.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "pauciarticular" and not another subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
• Avoid using this code if the laterality of the affected shoulder (left or right) is specified; use the more specific codes M08.411 or M08.412 instead.
• Confirm the patient's age at onset is under 16 years to differentiate from adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis.